Islamabad : National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) extends its heartfelt appreciation to the minority communities of Pakistan on National Minorities Day—a solemn yet proud occasion. NCSW especially honours the resilient, hardworking, and visionary women within these communities, who continue to shape the very soul of our inclusive nation.
As Chairperson of NCSW, I, Ume Laila Azhar, take this opportunity to pay tribute to minority women who, despite social exclusion, discrimination, and underrepresentation, have led, served, and uplifted—not only their families but also their communities and the country at large.
These women have broken barriers, stepping beyond traditionally assigned roles to emerge as educators, healthcare workers, caregivers, skilled artisans, nurses, entrepreneurs, social workers, and community leaders. Whether in bustling urban hospitals or remote rural schools, minority women have consistently stood on the frontlines of service, often under challenging and underpaid conditions.
Their economic contributions are undeniable. From sustaining household incomes as sole or dual earners to powering small-scale industries and public service institutions, they have given time, care, skills, intellect, and empathy to the growth of our nation—often without the policy support, protection, or recognition they deserve.
NCSW has consistently stood by the minorities through policy advocacy, legal reforms, and support for minority-specific legislation. Our strong backing of the Minorities Marriage Bill, now approved by Parliament and signed by the President, marked a historic milestone in ensuring legal identity, dignity, and protection for minority women.
We also acknowledge other significant legislative measures safeguarding minority rights, such as:
Hindu Marriage Act, 2017 – ensuring legal recognition and registration of Hindu marriages.
Sindh Hindu Marriage Act, 2016 (Amended 2018) – introducing provisions for divorce and remarriage.
Christian Marriage Act (various provincial amendments under review) – providing for marriage registration and protection of rights.
Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2013 – criminalizing marriage under the age of 18, a crucial safeguard for minority girls.
While these laws have been steps forward, NCSW continues to call for further amendments and enforcement mechanisms to:
Remove discriminatory provisions in personal laws and ensure gender equality in marriage, divorce, and inheritance rights.
Strengthen protections against forced conversions, particularly for underage minority girls.
Ensure equal access to justice through legal aid and fast-track courts for minority women.
Guarantee representation of minority women in policy-making bodies and statutory commissions.
As we move forward, NCSW urges:
Dedicated economic empowerment programs for women from minority backgrounds.
Quotas and inclusion policies ensuring minority women access to quality education, employment, and leadership.
Workplace protections against discrimination and harassment.
Targeted investment in health, housing, community development, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion in minority-populated areas.
Beyond symbolic recognition, Pakistan must build sustainable systems that affirm the rights, contributions, and aspirations of every woman.
On this National Minorities Day, let us remember: the strength of a nation lies in the protection and participation of all its citizens. Minorities have never stopped giving. Today, we say: We see you, we honour you, and we stand with you—for an inclusive, empowered, and equal Pakistan.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
