DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Pakistan Council of World Religions–Faith Friends (PCWR-FF) has hailed the approval of the Kalash Marriage Act by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, calling it a historic milestone in protecting the constitutional, legal and social rights of the Kalash community.
In a statement, the organisation said the legislation was the culmination of years of research, consultations, advocacy and sustained engagement with relevant stakeholders.
According to PCWR-FF, its efforts began in 2017 with the completion of a comprehensive study highlighting the legal and social challenges faced by the Kalash community. In 2020, a lawyer belonging to the Kalash community prepared the initial draft of the marriage bill.
The organisation said that in 2022, with the support of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Department, it engaged a legal consultant to prepare the formal draft of the Kalash Marriage Act and facilitate the legislative process.
PCWR-FF said former provincial minister and Kalash leader Wazirzada remained actively associated with the organisation throughout the advocacy campaign and legislative process.
Following the passage of the bill, Wazirzada telephoned PCWR-FF focal person Maqsood Ahmed Salfi to congratulate him on the achievement and appreciated the organisation’s sustained efforts. He also congratulated PCWR-FF Chairman Qari Roohullah Madani and the entire team for their role in securing the legislation.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Madani said the enactment of the Kalash Marriage Act represented an important step towards ensuring the legal identity, equal rights and social protection of the Kalash community.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting interfaith harmony, human rights and equal citizenship for all religious communities in Pakistan.
The organisation also congratulated the Kalash community, Wazirzada, the provincial government, members of the provincial assembly, civil society organisations and all individuals and institutions who contributed to the passage of the legislation.
