PCC welcomes historic progress on Christian family laws bill 2026 in Sindh assembly

The Pakistan Christian Council (PCC) has welcomed what it described as a historic development in the Sindh Assembly

KARACHI: The Pakistan Christian Council (PCC) has welcomed what it described as a historic development in the Sindh Assembly regarding the proposed Christian Family Laws Bill, 2026, after Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony submitted a formal notice seeking leave to introduce the private member bill aimed at reforming Christian family laws that have remained largely unchanged since the colonial era.

In a press statement issued on September 8, 2026, the PCC expressed its “heartfelt appreciation and tribute” to the Government of Sindh, the leadership of the Sindh Assembly and members who have supported the legislative initiative.

The Council specifically acknowledged the role of Deputy Speaker Sindh Assembly Naveed Anthony thanking him for taking the legislative step and supporting efforts aimed at strengthening the legal protection, dignity, religious traditions and rights of Christian families in the province.

According to an official document dated September 7, 2026, Anthony Naveed, MPA (RSM-165) submitted a notice under Rule 94 of the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, 2013, expressing his intention to seek permission to introduce a private member bill titled “The Christian Family Laws Bill, 2026.”

The notice stated that a copy of the proposed legislation, along with its Statement of Objects and Reasons, had been enclosed with the submission for consideration by the provincial legislature.

The PCC described the proposed legislation as an important development in the effort to modernise laws governing Christian families. The Council said that existing laws relating to Christian marriage and divorce have remained in place for more than 150 years dating back to the colonial period.

The Council said reforming these laws could address several longstanding legal challenges faced by members of the Christian community and provide a more comprehensive framework for family-related matters.

“We express our sincere gratitude to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), along with all members of the Sindh Assembly, who have supported this important legislative initiative,” the PCC said in its statement.

The Council expressed hope that the Christian Family Laws Bill, 2026 would be formally introduced before the Sindh Assembly and subsequently receive the necessary legislative approval to become law.

According to the PCC, the proposed legislation could provide the foundation for a modern and dignified family-law framework that better reflects the rights and needs of Christian citizens.

The Council further emphasised that the initiative should not be viewed merely as another piece of legislation, but as a broader step toward ensuring rights, dignity and equal citizenship for the Christian community.

“This is not merely a Bill; it is an important step towards protecting the rights, dignity, and equal citizenship of the Christian community,” the PCC stated.

The Council also reiterated its commitment to continuing its peaceful efforts for the protection of the community’s legal and constitutional rights.

“Our peaceful struggle for the rights, dignity, and equal citizenship of the Christian community will continue,” the PCC said.

The proposed bill now awaits further proceedings in the Sindh Assembly, where its introduction and subsequent legislative process will determine the future of the proposed reforms.