POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

Senate Forms Parliamentary Caucus for Minorities’ Rights

On #NationalMinoritiesDay, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani announces a parliamentary caucus to protect and promote minority rights, with NA members’ inclusion and plans for greater representation.
2025-08-11
Senate Forms Parliamentary Caucus for Minorities’ Rights

Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani announced the formation of a parliamentary caucus dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of minorities in Pakistan.

The newly formed caucus will include representation from members of the National Assembly, reflecting a unified approach between the two houses of Parliament. Gilani emphasized that the welfare of women and minorities has always been a priority, highlighting past efforts to bring these groups into the national mainstream.

He recalled that during his tenure as Prime Minister, women and minorities were given greater participation in decision-making processes. He also paid tribute to the late Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for her significant contributions toward the empowerment of women and the development of minority communities.

The Senate Chairman stated that Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari remains committed to empowering women and integrating them into key national institutions, while President Asif Ali Zardari is dedicated to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all minorities.

Gilani disclosed that proposals are underway to increase quotas for women and minorities, including a recommendation to allocate 4% representation to minorities in the Upper House. He noted that ensuring their participation in higher decision-making bodies will help in addressing historical injustices.

The parliamentary caucus will actively work to safeguard minority rights, promote interfaith harmony, and support initiatives aimed at their socio-economic uplift. A special resolution recognizing the contributions of minority communities will also be presented in the upcoming Senate session.

Highlighting the vital role minorities play in the development and unity of Pakistan, Gilani remarked, “Pakistan is a multicultural country where citizens of every faith contribute to progress and harmony.”