LAHORE: The participants in a meeting of the Peoples Commission for Minorities Rights (PCMR) on Tuesday deliberate on the critical issues affecting religious minority communities in Pakistan, demanding enactment of laws for the Kalash community and against forced conversions.

The meeting was attended by PCMR council members -- Ms Fatima Atif, a rights and political activist, Ms Lubna Jarrar Naqvi, journalist, Dr AH Nayyar, educationist, Dr Riaz Sheikh, Dean of Social Sciences, SZABIST and PCMR Chairperson Peter Jacob.

The meeting participants highlighted their demands, including upholding the merit in the appointment of the chairperson and members of the National Commission for Minorities Rights (NCMR).

Moreover, they demanded the government should ensure sufficient and targeted allocation in the 2026-27 federal budget for the NCMR.

Ms Atif emphasised the urgent need for the operationalisation of the NCMR Act 2025, stating “The enactment of the NCMR Act 2025 was a historic step forward for the protection of minority rights in Pakistan. However, legislation alone is not enough. Five months have passed and the commission has yet to become functional. We demand immediate action. The chairperson must be appointed on merit through a transparent process, and the commission must begin performing its mandated duties without further delay.”

Dr AH Nayyar drew attention to the precarious situation of the Kalash community, saying, “The Kalash are one of Pakistan’s most ancient and distinct communities, yet they remain among the most legally vulnerable. A personal law for the Kalash is not a privilege, it is a necessity. Without laws, their rights in matters of marriage, inheritance, and personal status, are left undefined and unprotected. We call on the KP Assembly to move swiftly and enact this law, in consultation with the Kalash community, recognising the Kalash’s unique identity and securing their fundamental rights.”

Peter Jacob underscored the need for inclusive education, saying, “Article 22(1) has been part of our Constitution for decades, yet its implementation on the ground remains deeply inadequate. The minority children continue to face a curriculum that excludes or marginalises their faith. Moreover, the policy decision to allow minority students to study their own religion as an alternative to compulsory subject of Islamic Studies.”

Dr Riaz Sheikh stated, “The forced conversions remain one of the gravest violations of human rights and religious freedom in Pakistan. The government has a constitutional responsibility to protect every citizen’s right to their faith. We demand that the government enact and enforce comprehensive legislation against forced conversions, with particular attention to the protection of women and children from minority communities, who are most at risk.”

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2026