LAHORE:A significant legislative step towards safeguarding religious minorities has been taken with the submission of the Punjab Protection of the Rights of Religious Minorities Bill 2026 in the Punjab Assembly (PA) by Falbous Christopher, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs.
The proposed bill introduces comprehensive legal protections against forced conversions and forced marriages, while addressing discrimination and ensuring the protection of minority places of worship and religious property.
Under the legislation, forced conversion is defined as a criminal offence, with penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment and fines for those found guilty of coercion, threats, or undue influence.
The bill further empowers courts to take action in cases of forced marriages involving minority individuals, including issuing protection orders.
It also prohibits discrimination based on religion in education, employment, access to public spaces, and service delivery. Additionally, it mandates the protection of minority religious sites and calls for a review of educational curricula to eliminate content promoting hatred, intolerance, or discrimination.
Commenting on the development, Shahid Rehmat, Executive Director of Youth Development Foundation (YDF), stated: “This bill represents a critical step toward institutionalising protections for religious minorities in Punjab. We must also address the root causes of intolerance through education reform and community engagement to build a more inclusive and peaceful society.”
Khalil Tahir Sandhu, Christian Senator in Pakistan, emphasised, “This legislation reflects the constitutional promise of equality and protection for all citizens. Addressing forced conversions through a legal framework is a long overdue and necessary step.”
