Govt reiterates commitment to minority rights in meeting with Christian delegation

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Ataullah Tarar on Thursday assured members of the Christian community that the government remained committed to safeguarding the rights of religious minorities, according to a report carried by state broadcaster PTV.

The meeting was attended by Mr Tarar and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who held talks with a delegation from the Christian community on issues related to minority rights as well as the welfare and well-being of Christians in Pakistan. During the discussion, participants reviewed concerns facing the community and stressed the need to address those matters through relevant laws and policy measures.

According to PTV, the delegation appreciated what it described as the government’s continued commitment to protecting minority communities. The participants also welcomed the Punjab government’s recently enacted Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 and praised official efforts aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for religious minorities.

The meeting also resulted in an understanding on developing an effective mechanism to address additional matters, including Christian Personal Law. The law minister said it was of utmost importance to move forward with comprehensive legal and policy reforms in consultation with the community.

Speaking during the meeting, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said:

"The government is fully committed to providing equal rights and equal opportunities to all citizens,"

Information Minister Ataullah Tarar expressed similar views and said consultation with minority representatives was essential to ensure that the needs of all citizens were reflected in the lawmaking and policy process.

He told the delegation:

"Consultation with representatives of minority communities ensures that the needs of all citizens are taken into account in law and policy-making,"

He also said the government was committed to promoting interfaith harmony, equal citizenship and an inclusive society in which all Pakistanis could contribute to national development without discrimination.

According to the PTV report, the participants agreed on the importance of resolving the issues faced by the Christian community through a more effective legal and policy framework developed in consultation with community representatives.