NCRC Launches the Situational Analysis of Children from Minority Religions in Pakistan

Islamabad
The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) organized the launch of the Situational Analysis of Children from Minority Religions in Pakistan — a report aimed at highlighting the challenges, inequalities, and policy gaps affecting children from minority faith communities.
The event brought together legislators, policymakers, child rights advocates, and civil society representatives to deliberate on ways to promote inclusion, equality, and protection for all children, irrespective of religion or background.
The session opened with a welcome note by Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson NCRC, who emphasized that every child—regardless of religion, caste, or background—must enjoy equal rights and opportunities in Pakistan. She reaffirmed the Commission›s commitment to advancing equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination in line with Pakistan›s constitutional and international obligations.
Dr. Shoaib Suddle, Chairman, One-Man Commission on Minority Rights, in his remarks, underscored the importance of effectively implementing the legal safeguards that protect religious minorities, especially Article 22 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
He highlighted that justice and equality must move beyond rhetoric to become lived realities for all citizens, especially vulnerable children.
Delivering the keynote address, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Chairperson of the Senate›s Functional Committee on Human Rights, commended the NCRC›s initiative for shining a light on the lived experiences of children from minority religions.
She stressed that the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights would translate the Report›s findings into policy actions. She asserted that collective action—through education, awareness, and stronger enforcement of laws—is vital to ensuring their protection and empowerment.
The event also featured a panel discussion with distinguished speakers, including Mr. Pirbhu Lal Satyani (Member Minorities/Sindh, NCRC), Ms. Zeeba T. Hashmi (Education Research Consultant), Mr. Albert David (Former Member, National Commission for Minorities), Sister Mariam Parveen (Member, National Commission on the Status of Women), and Mr. Arshad Mehmood (Deputy Team Lead, Aawaz II, British Council). The panel discussion was moderated by Ms. Maham Afridi, Program Coordinator, NCRC.
Panelists explored key issues such as equality, education, gender discrimination, child marriage, and socio-economic exclusion. Mr. Albert David emphasized that true equality lies in embracing a shared national identity rather than being confined to divisive labels of «majority» and «minority.» Ms. Zeeba T. Hashmi advocated for the inclusion of comparative religious studies in school curricula, arguing that religious instruction should be a matter of choice, not compulsion.
Mr. Arshad Mehmood called for enhanced interfaith dialogue and stronger implementation mechanisms for inclusive education and social protection.
Sister Mariam Parveen highlighted the double discrimination faced by girls from minority groups—who experience both gender and religious marginalization in schools and communities—while Mr. Pirbhu Lal Satyani drew attention to the economic vulnerabilities of minority families, particularly those trapped in bonded labour or low-paid agricultural work due to poverty and caste-based barriers.
The discussion also highlighted the need for harmonization of child marriage restraint laws across provinces, the introduction of inclusive curricula, and policies addressing intersectional discrimination faced by minority children.
The event concluded with a collective reaffirmation of commitment among participants to strengthen institutional mechanisms, promote inclusion and equality, and ensure that every child in Pakistan—regardless of faith—enjoys equal protection, dignity, and opportunity.