Govt committed to protecting rights of minorities, info minister says in meeting with delegation from Christian community

Published
1
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar can be seen at the meeting. — Screengrab via video from PTV
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar can be seen at the meeting. — Screengrab via video from PTV

Information Minister Ataullah Tarar on Thursday assured the Christian community of the government’s commitment towards the protection of the rights of religious minorities, state broadcaster PTV reported.

The information minister, along with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, met a delegation of the Christian community, during which they discussed the state of minority rights and the welfare and well-being of the Christian community.

As per PTV, the delegation “commended the government’s continued commitment to protecting the rights of minority communities”, welcoming a recent legislation by the Punjab government — Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026.

They also commended the government’s efforts to promote equal opportunities for religious minorities.

During the meeting, the participants discussed resolution of issues faced by the Christian community, stressing the need for “effectively addressing the issues of the community through relevant law and policies”.

According to the report, the meeting also reached an agreement on “devising an effective mechanism for resolving other matters, including the Christian Personal Law”.

The law minister held that it was of “utmost importance” to promote “comprehensive legal and policy reforms” with the consultation of the community.

“The government is fully committed to providing equal rights and equal opportunities to all citizens,” he said.

The information minister also voiced similar views, reiterating that the government remained committed to protecting minority rights.

“Consultation with representatives of minority communities ensures that the needs of all citizens are taken into account in law and policy-making,” he said.

He assured the delegation that the government was “fully committed” to promoting “interfaith harmony, equal citizenship, and an inclusive society, where every Pakistani can contribute towards national development without any discrimination”.

Opinion

Emergency matters

Emergency matters

If this new technocratic setup proves to be successful and efficient, it might just end up increasing centralisation of decision-making.

Editorial

Burnt bridges
Updated 20 Oct, 2026

Burnt bridges

If PPP wants the decision reversed, it should convince its ally in Islamabad, not ask the opposition to be ‘positive’.
Toll on trade
Updated 20 Oct, 2026

Toll on trade

Islamabad must find the right balance between its security priorities and the economic strain on KP’s residents.
French protests
20 Oct, 2026

French protests

SEVERAL European states have witnessed mass protests over the past few days, mostly focusing on socioeconomic...
Eating grass for AI
Updated 19 Oct, 2026

Eating grass for AI

As dependence on AI grows, the bill could reach hundreds of millions of dollars by the end of the decade.
Climate exodus
Updated 19 Oct, 2026

Climate exodus

Climate displacement could then become another source of instability unless governments prepare for it together.
Settler terrorism
19 Oct, 2026

Settler terrorism

ISRAEL’S genocidal violence in occupied Gaza has understandably captured the world’s attention. Yet another...