ISLAMABAD: The Senate will constitute a parliamentary caucus on minorities aimed to protect rights and promote, ensure representation of minority communities in the country.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani made the announcement in his special message on the National Day of Minorities observed on August 11 every year. The caucus will also include members from the National Assembly nominated by the speaker.
A special resolution will be tabled in the upcoming Senate session to formally recognise the contributions of minorities to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.
The chairman Senate decided to constitute the parliamentary caucus after a demand from senators belonging to different minority communities.
Mr Gillani said that the welfare and empowerment of women and minorities had always been among his top priorities. He noted that even during his tenure as prime minister, he had worked to ensure that these groups were integrated into the national development process and given significant representation.
Highlighting the contributions of the late prime minister Benazir Bhutto, he said she played a pioneering role in advancing the rights and participation of women and minorities in all sectors of life. He added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari shares this vision, striving to empower women, promote their inclusion in national institutions and ensure their leadership roles.
Mr Gillani stated that President Asif Ali Zardari is equally committed to safeguarding minority rights and providing them with equal opportunities across all walks of life.
He also mentioned ongoing efforts to increase the quota for women and minorities in government jobs and to allocate four per cent representation for minorities in the Senate. Giving these groups a stronger voice in decision-making processes will help address longstanding social injustices that have limited their full potential in the past.
Acknowledging the vital role minorities have played in national development, he said that Pakistan is a multicultural country where citizens of every language, faith and culture contribute to its growth, stability and interfaith harmony.
Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2025