LAHORE: Political, social and religious leaders of minority communities and civil society, under the Rwadari Tehreek, have demanded that the Punjab Assembly pass the Punjab Minorities Rights Commission bill at the earliest.

The private bill was submitted by minority MPA Shehzad Munshi with the assembly secretariat on Nov 23.

Samson Salamat, MPA Munshi, Samuel Pyara, Tariq Siraj, MPAs Sadia Sohail, Shunila Ruth, Kanji Ram and Shakeel Markus, Pastor Emmanuel Khokhar, Rev Father Francis Gulzar said this at a press conference on Thursday.

Quoting a Supreme Court verdict of 2014, Mr Salamat said provincial law-making bodies were bound to establish the commissions and since the Sindh Assembly had already passed a similar bill there.

Mr Munshi said the proposed commission could examine government policies and other measures relating to equality of minorities, their empowerment, protection, political participation, representation and education.

It could also review all laws, rules and regulations affecting the status and rights of minorities, and suggest repeal, amendment or new legislation essential to eliminate discrimination, safeguarding and promoting the interest and welfare of minorities and achieving equality before law.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2016