LAHORE: For the last three decades or so, there had been no legislation in Punjab pertaining to protection of minorities and members of Parliamentary Religious Harmony and Freedom Caucus (RFC) would raise the issue on the floor of the provincial legislature’s coming sessions.

“The RFC members will raise their concerns on the floor of the House to safeguard the rights of minorities by bringing a profound legislation in the light of Constitution of Pakistan,” MPA Mary Gill of the PML-N told newsmen after a meeting of caucus at a local hotel on Wednesday.

The caucus members would also raise the issues through parliamentary legislative agenda on the key areas where religious minorities had been facing discrimination.

It was the right time to put forward this legislative agenda which would be the breakthrough in the history of Punjab Assembly, said Ms Gill who was accompanied by MPA Shahzad Munshi.

To a question, she said the members would raise the demand through the Standing Committee on Minorities in Punjab to form the Minority Protection Policy, establishment of Provincial Punjab Minority Commission in the light of the Supreme Court verdict.

Amendments would also be suggested in the Pakistan Penal Code 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Ordinance 2008, and the Police Order 2002 besides aligning the Nadra Registration Act with the minority registrations to the extent of Punjab.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

AN IMF mission is in Islamabad for unusual, early talks with the Pakistani authorities as the lender seems worried...
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

BARA tehsil, a region typically known for its security challenges and socioeconomic problems, can now boast the...
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....