The Standing Committee on Human Rights met in Islamabad on 30 December 2025 at the Ministry of Human Rights committee room, Kohsar Block, Pak Secretariat, with Ms. Syeda Nousheen Iftikhar, MNA, presiding. The Committee unanimously recommended that the Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2025 be passed, underlining the need for stronger protection and services for elderly citizens across the capital.
The Committee praised recent government steps to address minority protections and stressed that giving equal rights to minorities living in squatted settlements is essential for inclusive development. Members directed the Ministry of Human Rights to expedite the establishment of a National Commission for Minorities Rights so that the challenges faced by these communities can be addressed more effectively and transparently, and asked that the Ministry keep the Committee informed during the establishment process.
Delegates expressed serious concern over rising drug use and the misuse of social media, noting that responsible authorities must take a more proactive and coordinated approach. To follow up, the Committee decided to invite the Ministry of Interior and the Narcotics Control authorities to the next meeting to discuss prevention, enforcement and awareness measures.
Attending members included Syeda Nousheen Iftikhar, Zahra Wadood Fatemi, Asiya Naz Tanoli, Tamkeen Akhtar Niazi, Sehar Kamran, Shahida Rehmani, Naz Baloch, Naveed Aamir and Sabheen Ghoury along with senior officers from the Ministries of Human Rights and Law and Justice. Khalid Malik Joyia served as Secretary to the Committee during the session.
