A Christian lawmaker in Pakistan is seeking to expand the protection of religious minorities, with a bill to safeguard property.
Falbous Christopher has introduced the legislation in the Punjab Assembly, amid concerns of land encroachment targeting religious groups and weak enforcement of the law, which would only apply in the province.
International Christian Concern (ICC) has praised the bill as “holding great hope” for Pakistani Christians, which “could have a ripple effect throughout the other provinces of Pakistan.”
Falbous, who chairs the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minorities Affairs, said the law would widen the scope of properties given religious protections.
He told Christian Daily International: “In addition to religious institutions such as churches, Sikh gurdwaras, and Hindu temples, the bill covers properties acquired or developed through government grants, public funds, charity contributions, joint community funds, and foreign donations earmarked for minority welfare.”
Shawn Wright, ICC president, said: “We welcome this proposed legislation as an important step toward safeguarding church and minority assets in this province.
“For too long, Christian communities have faced challenges protecting their properties and places of worship from the majority and the Pakistani government. While this bill applies to only one state, we pray it will serve as a model for the rest of Pakistan.
“Meaningful protection for religious minorities should not depend on geography, and we encourage leaders nationwide to adopt similar measures to ensure equal security and dignity for all.”
The law is due to be debated by the Punjab Assembly this month.