Punjab Moves to Curb Forced Conversions, Protect Minority Rights with New Bill
Lahore: A significant step has been taken in Punjab to safeguard minority rights, as a new bill for 2026 has been introduced in the Provincial Assembly addressing forced religious conversions and coerced marriages.
The bill was presented as a private member’s bill by Chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs, Philbus Christopher. It proposes strict legal measures to combat forced religious conversions, declaring such acts illegal and punishable by up to five years in prison along with fines.
In addition to criminalizing forced conversions, the proposed legislation also seeks to outlaw forced marriages involving minority individuals. It includes provisions aimed at preventing discrimination against minority communities in educational institutions and employment sectors.
Furthermore, the bill outlines measures for the protection of minority places of worship and recommends a review of the provincial curriculum to identify and eliminate any content that may promote hatred or discrimination against minorities.
It is noteworthy that the Federal Constitutional Court recently issued an important ruling on the matter, adding momentum to legislative efforts to ensure the protection of minority rights across the country.
