Proposed Christian marriage and family laws in Punjab and Sindh have prompted calls for meaningful consultation with churches….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Churches in Pakistan’s Punjab and Sindh provinces must be meaningfully consulted before lawmakers finalise proposed Christian marriage and family laws, a report has said. The proposed reforms aim to strengthen legal protections and registration but could also affect Christian teachings on marriage, divorce and remarriage.
The report, published by Bitter Winter, said there were valid reasons to review colonial-era legislation but stressed that the process required careful consideration because marriage was regarded by Christians as a sacred covenant rather than merely a civil contract.
“Christian citizens, particularly women and children, deserve proper marriage registration, protection against forced and underage marriage, due process, and effective remedies against abuse and injustice,” it stated.
The proposed Punjab Christian Marriage Bill 2026 seeks to replace the Christian Marriage Act of 1872. According to the report, the bill would set the minimum marriage age at 18 for both men and women, require both parties to be Christian, and make registration with the Union Council and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) mandatory.
The legislation was unanimously cleared by the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minority Affairs on 30 September and is now awaiting a vote in the full House.
In Sindh, Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed has introduced the Christian Family Laws Bill 2026 as a private member’s bill. The proposed legislation reportedly covers a broader range of family matters, including divorce, judicial separation, maintenance, remarriage, child custody and family property.
“This is where administrative reform enters the sensitive territory of Christian doctrine on marriage, divorce, and remarriage,” the report said.
The report cited Article 20 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom and allows religious denominations to manage their institutions. It argued that non-governmental organisations could contribute to discussions on rights and legal safeguards but should not replace church representatives on matters of faith.
“Inviting church representatives to a meeting should not automatically be presented as the Church’s endorsement of the proposed legislation,” it stated.
Report Calls for Wider Consultation
The report said Pakistan’s Christian community comprises several denominations that may differ in their interpretations of marriage and divorce. It called for sufficient time for churches, theologians, legal experts and women to examine the proposed laws and suggest alternatives.
Meaningful consultation, it argued, would help lawmakers balance the need for legal protection with respect for religious beliefs and practices.
“Pakistan does not have to choose between protecting human rights and respecting the Christian faith,” it said.
