Prescribes sentences of up to five years’ imprisonment and fines for those found guilty
LAHORE:
A private member’s bill to strengthen legal protection for religious minorities was submitted to the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday, proposing measures against forced conversions, forced marriages and discrimination.
The Punjab Protection of Rights of Religious Minorities Bill 2026 was introduced by Falbous Christopher, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs. The bill aimed to criminalize forced conversion, providing penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment and fines for those found guilty of coercion, threats or undue influence.
Under the draft, courts would be empowered to intervene in cases of forced marriages involving persons belonging to minorities, including by issuing protection orders. The bill also prohibits discrimination based on religion in education, employment, access to public spaces and the provision of services.
Additionally, the legislation calls for the protection of places of worship and religious property of minorities, while recommending a review of educational programs to remove content inciting hatred, intolerance or discrimination.
Learn more: MQM-P calls for protection of minorities on Holi
Commenting on the development, Shahid Rehmat, executive director of the Youth Development Foundation, said the bill represented an important step towards institutionalizing the protection of minorities.
He noted that effective implementation, institutional coordination and safeguards for vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, would be key to its success.
Meanwhile, Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu said the legislation reflected the constitutional guarantees of equality and protection of all citizens. He described the move to tackle forced conversions through a legal framework as a necessary and long overdue step.
The bill, if passed, is expected to provide a comprehensive legal framework aimed at strengthening the protection of minority communities and promoting equality, inclusion and the rule of law in the province.
