Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said that the government would continue working with representatives of minority communities through consultation on legal and policy matters aimed at protecting and promoting minority rights.
He said this during a meeting with a delegation of the National Lobbying Delegation for Minority Rights. The meeting discussed minority rights protection, the Christian Marriage and Divorce Bill, Christian Personal Law and various legal and policy issues confronting minority communities.
The delegation stressed the need for progress on the draft Christian Marriage and Divorce Bill, highlighting the need for an effective legal framework concerning marriage and divorce-related rights of the Christian community, particularly women.
The Federal Minister assured the delegation of cooperation and support on the matter, saying that the Ministry would work with representatives of minority communities on issues relating to Christian Personal Law.
The meeting also discussed proposals for ensuring equal opportunities for minorities in education, health and employment, while the need for effective measures to address discrimination faced by minority communities was also highlighted.
The delegation also emphasized the need for effective legal measures to address caste-based discrimination.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar briefed the delegation on legislation concerning the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities Rights and progress towards its establishment.
The Federal Minister said consultation with relevant communities was essential for the promotion and protection of minority rights and that the recommendations of the delegation would be reviewed from legal and policy perspectives.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the delegation expressed its willingness to submit further issues and recommendations in writing to the Ministry of Human Rights, while both sides agreed to continue the consultative process for addressing issues concerning minority communities.
