“Every Time a Child Is Denied Education Because of Prejudice, We All Lose a Piece of Pakistan’s Promise”
Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri Speaks at the Launch of Landmark Report on Children from Minority Religions in Pakistan
Islamabad- Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Chairperson of the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, delivered an impassioned address at the launch of the Situation Analysis of Children from Minority Religions in Pakistan, organized by the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC). The event brought together parliamentarians, civil society members, representatives of minority communities, and human rights advocates to discuss the challenges faced by children belonging to minority faiths in Pakistan.
Senator Zehri lauded the NCRC for taking up what she called a “crucial and long-neglected issue with such seriousness, depth, and compassion.” She said, “This study is not just a report; it is a mirror that reflects the lived realities, the hopes, and the silent struggles of the children who are part of Pakistan’s beautiful religious mosaic.”
Emphasizing the moral imperative of inclusion, she stated, “Children, regardless of their faith, colour, or language, are not just the future of this nation; they are its very soul. When a single child is left behind because of their faith, gender, or identity, our collective conscience must awaken.”
Senator Zehri reminded the audience that both Islam and the Constitution of Pakistan guarantee equality and protection for all. She said, “Our religion Islam lays the strongest foundation for justice, equality, and compassion. The Holy Quran reminds us that ‘there is no compulsion in religion’ (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:256), and our beloved Prophet (PBUH) was known for his fairness and kindness towards minorities.” Referring to the Constitution, she added, “Articles 20, 21, 22, 26 and 27 provide clear safeguards—the right to profess religion, the right to education without discrimination, and the right to equal opportunity in public life. These are not symbolic clauses; they are binding moral commitments.”
The report’s findings, Senator Zehri said, were eye-opening, revealing continuing social exclusion, stereotyping in textbooks, limited access to higher education, and fear of identity-based discrimination. She described the issues of forced conversions and early marriages of minority girls as “a painful and unacceptable violation of both human rights and Islamic teachings.”
Reaffirming her legislative commitment, she said, “As Chairperson of the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, I want to assure you that Parliament stands committed to protecting the rights of every child in this country without distinction.” She explained that the Committee is reviewing proposals to include human rights and interfaith harmony modules in the national curriculum, to strengthen child protection mechanisms, and to ensure stronger oversight of forced conversion and child marriage laws.
She announced that the Committee would take up the report’s findings formally: “We intend to initiate public hearings with the National Commission on the Rights of Child, the Ministry of Human Rights, and the National Curriculum Council to translate these recommendations into actionable policy reforms.”
Senator Zehri envisioned a Pakistan where every child, regardless of faith, can thrive. “Imagine a Pakistan where a Christian child can dream of being a judge, a Hindu girl can study science without ridicule, a Sikh boy can walk into any public office without hesitation, and a Muslim child learns about all of them not as strangers, but as fellow citizens.”
Concluding her remarks, she said, “Let us remember: Every time a child is denied education because of prejudice, we all lose a piece of Pakistan’s promise. Every time a girl is forced into conversion or marriage, we lose a piece of our humanity. And every time we turn away from discrimination, we turn away from the message of Islam, the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, and the spirit of our Constitution.”
She ended with a message of reassurance to minority children: “To every child from a minority community listening today, know this: You are seen, you are valued, and you belong.”
The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of parliamentarians, the NCRC, and civil society to work collectively for a just, inclusive, and compassionate society that upholds the rights and dignity of all children.
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.
