Islamabad: The Parliamentary Minority Caucus on Tuesday met at Parliament House, Islamabad, under the convenorship of Mr. Danesh Kumar to deliberate on key issues relating to the constitutional rights, security, representation, and welfare of minority communities across Pakistan, reaffirming its commitment to equality, justice, and protection in line with the Constitution.
The Caucus deferred an agenda item seeking a detailed briefing from the Chairman, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) on the status of operational and non-operational minority worship places due to the chairman’s absence. The Convener emphasized that the matter remains a priority and will be taken up in the next meeting.
Officials from the Ministry of Human Rights briefed the Caucus on the National Commission for Minorities Rights Act, 2025, promulgated on December 18, 2025, outlining the Commission’s mandate, composition, appointment process through a Parliamentary Committee, and four-year tenure. The Committee expressed serious concern over delays in nominations from provincial governments and the Islamabad Capital Territory despite reminders issued on January 12, 2026, and urged immediate action to uphold the spirit of the law.
The Caucus took strong notice of the exclusion of minority candidates from open merit recruitment in Sindh Police over the past five years, particularly in Umerkot, Tharparkar, Mirpur, and Shahdadkot. It was highlighted that despite minorities comprising around 57 percent of Umerkot’s population, no non-Muslim candidate was selected on open merit, even where minority candidates secured higher marks. The Committee termed the practice a blatant violation of constitutional guarantees, merit, and equality, and directed submission of complete recruitment records across Sindh for transparency.
Briefing on the Shankar Anand Bharti Temple Trust property in Shikarpur, Sindh authorities cited threat assessments for security rationalization. However, the Caucus expressed grave concern over alleged illegal attempts to grab temple property and record tampering, directing authorities to halt interference pending court adjudication, conduct impartial inquiries, restore and enhance security from 8 to 13 personnel, and ensure full protection for devotees and staff. The IG Police Sindh was directed to appear personally in the next meeting.
The Caucus also reviewed the kidnapping case of minor girl Priya Kumari, noting extensive but unsuccessful efforts by Sindh Police, including searches, geo-fencing, drone surveillance, and a Rs. 2.5 million reward. Convener Danesh Kumar directed police to present tangible progress within one month, warning that failure could lead to recommending the case be handed over to federal law enforcement agencies.
The meeting was attended by Senator Poonjo Bheel, Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, MNA, Dr. Darshan, MNA, Isphanyar M. Bhandara, MNA, Ramesh Lal, MNA, Ms. Neelam, MNA, and Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, MNA, among others.