KP assembly speaker hails Kalash marriage act as milestone for minority rights

Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Babar Saleem Swati on Tuesday termed the passage of the Kalash Marriage Act a historic legislative milestone, saying it would strengthen the protection of the Kalash community's cultural identity, family system and legal rights

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jul, 2026) Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Babar Saleem Swati on Tuesday termed the passage of the Kalash Marriage Act a historic legislative milestone, saying it would strengthen the protection of the Kalash community's cultural identity, family system and legal rights.

The remarks were made during a ceremony held at the Speaker's Chamber, where a delegation of the Kalash community, led by former provincial lawmaker Wazir Zada Kalash, met the speaker to express appreciation for the enactment of the legislation. Representatives of development organizations and senior assembly officials also attended the event.

The delegation thanked the speaker and members of the provincial assembly for supporting the law, describing it as a long-awaited measure that provides the Kalash community with a formal legal framework governing marriage while safeguarding its unique traditions and cultural heritage.

Addressing the gathering, Babar Saleem Swati said the Kalash community was a valuable part of Pakistan's cultural diversity and reaffirmed the provincial assembly's commitment to protecting the constitutional and legal rights of all communities, particularly minorities.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

He said the Kalash Marriage Act reflected the assembly's commitment to inclusive legislation and respect for cultural diversity, adding that the house would continue to enact laws aimed at protecting the rights and interests of all segments of society.

Speaking on the occasion, Wazir Zada Kalash thanked the provincial government, the chief minister, the speaker and members of the assembly for supporting the legislation. He said the law fulfilled a longstanding demand of the Kalash community and would help preserve its family traditions, religious practices and cultural identity for future generations.

The delegation also pledged continued cooperation with the government and relevant institutions to support the effective implementation of the Kalash Marriage Act and ensure the protection of the community's rights and interests.