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Sindh Assembly passes bill for establishment of ‘Minority Rights Commission’

November 17, 2016

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The Sindh Assembly on Thursday passed a bill to form a commission to protect the rights of minorities.

The government will form the commission after a legislation in this regard. It will comprise 14 members including the head and will work for the rights of minorities. The commission can take suo moto action on the issues of minorities and guide government on the legislation pertaining to non-Muslims.

Titled ‘Pakistan Minorities Rights Commission Act, 2016’ the bill was drafted in line with June 19, 2014 judgment of the Supreme Court after an attack on a Church in Peshawar.

“The Commission shall, while inquiring into complaints under this Act, have all the powers of a Civil Court trying a suit under the code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in respect of following matters,

a) Summoning and enforcing the attendance of witness
b) Discovery and production of documents
c) Receiving evidence on affidavits
d) Requisitioning any public record or copy from any court.”

“Every proceeding before the Commission shall be deemed to be judicial proceeding,” states the now-passed bill.

The Commission may recommend to the provincial government or authority for the initiation of proceeding for prosecution as it may deem fit against the concerned person or persons. It would also request interim relief grant for the victim of human rights violations and provide assistance to their legal representatives and would also publish its inquiry report together with its recommendation and action taken by the government on it.

Authored by then Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Tasadaq Hussain Jillani, the Supreme Court in the landmark judgment had asked the government to take concrete steps for the protection of rights of religious minorities.

Meanwhile, another bill regarding forced religious conversion was deferred by the assembly.