Senate to form parliamentary caucus for minorities

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The upper house of Pakistan's Parliament has decided to establish a Parliamentary Caucus for Minorities, aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of minority communities across the country.

The announcement was made by Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, who emphasised that members of the National Assembly will also be given representation in the caucus. He reaffirmed that the welfare of women and minorities has always remained a top priority.

The decision comes in response to demands made by minority senators, and Gillani noted that during his tenure as Prime Minister, both women and minorities were actively brought into the national mainstream. He also paid tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for her significant contributions to the empowerment of women and minorities.

Gillani further praised Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his commitment to empowering women and increasing their participation in national institutions, and highlighted President Asif Ali Zardari’s dedication to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for minorities.

Efforts are also underway to increase reserved quotas for women and minorities in the Senate, with a proposal for 4% representation for minorities currently under consideration. The Senate Chair said that greater representation in key decision-making bodies would help address long-standing injustices.

The proposed parliamentary caucus will play an active role in advancing and safeguarding the rights of minority communities. A special resolution recognizing the contributions of minorities to Pakistan's development and harmony will also be presented in the Senate session.

Gillani concluded by acknowledging the crucial role minorities have played in the nation’s progress, saying that Pakistan is a multicultural country where citizens of all faiths contribute to its growth.