Faith
Pakistan Christian Shields Minority Church Properties
Faith Facts
- Expands protected properties to include churches, temples, gurdwaras, and assets from grants, charities, and donations for minority welfare.
- Establishes Provincial Action Committee chaired by a minority assembly member to inventory properties, monitor misuse, and resolve disputes.
- Bans sales, leases, or transfers without approval; violations face up to seven years imprisonment and fines, reclaiming communal trusts for God’s people.
A faithful Christian lawmaker in Pakistan’s Punjab province has proposed bold legislation to protect communal properties of minorities from encroachments and mismanagement.
The proposal echoes Biblical calls to stewardship.
Falbous Christopher, chair of the Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minorities Affairs, introduced the Punjab Protection of Communal Properties of Minorities Act 2026 to the Provincial Assembly.
This vital step addresses decades of disputes.
These include church land sales via forged documents and colonial-era title issues transferred post-1947.
Church leaders affirm these assets are sacred trusts for community welfare, not personal gain.
Christopher stated
“The legislation will significantly expand what constitutes protected minority properties. In addition to religious institutions such as churches, Sikh gurdwaras and Hindu temples, the bill covers properties acquired or developed through government grants, public funds, charity contributions, joint community funds and foreign donations earmarked for minority welfare.”
Alvin Nayyar of the Lahore Diocese said
“These properties are communal trusts, not private estates.”
As Christians, pray for this protection of worship sites and support global faith defenders through faithful action.