The National Commission for Rights of Children launched its report Situation Analysis of Children from Minority Religions in Pakistan in Islamabad Capital Territory with representatives from government bodies, UN agencies, embassy delegations, the British Council and civil society in attendance. The report sheds light on the lived realities and systemic challenges confronting minority children across the country.
The study examines vulnerabilities faced by children from Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Kalasha and Baha’i communities and finds persistent discrimination in education, employment prospects and access to justice despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and equality before the law. The findings emphasise that legal protections alone have not translated into equal treatment for many minority children in everyday life.
In her address, Chairperson NCRC Ayesha Raza Farooq outlined how the report highlights barriers that prevent minority children from fully exercising their rights and called for targeted policy responses to remove those barriers. She urged stakeholders to use the report’s evidence to strengthen protection measures and ensure equitable opportunities for minority children in schools and public services.
Dr Shoaib Suddle, Chairman One Man Commission, highlighted existing legal safeguards for minority groups and stressed the need to operationalise relevant laws and policies. He underlined Article 22 of the Constitution, which prohibits compelling children to study religious content other than their own, and expressed concern about its misinterpretation by some educational institutions, calling for clearer enforcement to protect children’s rights.
Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Chairperson of the Senate’s Functional Committee on Human Rights, attended as guest of honour and welcomed the NCRC report. She said the findings reflect deep rooted challenges to human rights and the principles envisioned by national founders and religious teachings, and pledged strengthened parliamentary oversight, policy action and continued dialogue to address the issues raised for minority children.
Member Sindh for Minorities at NCRC Pirbhu Lal Satyani presented detailed data driven findings and recommendations designed to bolster protection mechanisms and promote equity for children from minority faith communities. The presentation outlined measures for improving monitoring, ensuring non discriminatory schooling practices and expanding access to justice for affected families.
The launch concluded with a call for coordinated action by federal and provincial authorities, education institutions, human rights bodies and development partners to translate recommendations into practice. The report aims to inform legislation, administration and community level efforts to ensure that minority children in Pakistan can fully enjoy their rights without discrimination.
