By our correspondent
KARACHI: The representatives of Christian community have called for the immediate withdrawal of the Christian Family Law Bill 2026, alleging that it was introduced in the provincial assembly in violation of constitutional and legal requirements.
Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, they demanded a transparent investigation into the preparation of the bill and the process through which it was presented in the Sindh Assembly. They alleged that Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony had exceeded his authority by introducing a bill of financial nature as a private member’s bill without obtaining the Sindh government’s consent.
Referring to the Christian community’s relationship with the PPP, former MPA Saleem Khokhar said Pope Louis, the spiritual head of the global Catholic Church, had previously praised former prime minister Benazir Bhutto for her courage and her struggle for democracy, religious freedom and minority rights.
Saleem Khokhar claimed that the remarks had helped create a positive impression of the PPP among Christian communities, particularly in Punjab. The present controversy over the bill, however, had caused concern and unease among Christians, he said.
However, Khokhar argued that the draft was essentially a money bill. Under Article 115 of the Constitution, he said, government consent was required for the introduction of such legislation. He alleged that the deputy speaker had not obtained the provincial government’s approval.
The former MPA said the deputy speaker, as custodian of the assembly, was bound by the Constitution and parliamentary rules. Introducing a money bill as a private member’s bill, he added, raised serious questions about the legality of the process.
Khokhar also questioned the political benefits the Pakistan Peoples Party might gain from the proposed legislation.
Khokhar questioned why different legal standards should apply to citizens of the same country. While Muslim family laws were enforced uniformly across Pakistan, he said, Christians were subject to different laws in different provinces.
He argued that legislation governing the personal laws of Christian citizens should uphold equality, justice and the constitutional guarantee of equal rights and legal protection.
He warned that the bill, in its current form, could undermine trust between the Christian community and the PPP and create divisions within the community.
He urged the party leadership and relevant authorities to investigate whether genuine Christian leaders and representatives had been adequately consulted during the drafting process.
Khokhar also questioned the representation of communities involved in preparing the bill. Referring to a picture he said was available to him, he claimed that people from the Hindu community formed the majority of those involved, while Christian representation was limited.
He said it was troubling that legislation concerning the religious and family laws of Christians had been prepared without ensuring meaningful consultation with the community itself.
He further alleged that Anthony had named Catholic Bishop Beny Trous, Karachi Bishop Frederick John and Supreme Court lawyer Shahbaz Sohotra during his assembly speech to suggest that they supported the bill and had given their consent.
Khokhar claimed that the Senate and senior leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan had rejected the proposed legislation.
He said presenting religious leaders as supporters of a bill without their actual endorsement could damage the community’s trust and raise questions about responsible parliamentary conduct.
Khokhar urged the deputy speaker to withdraw the bill, apologise to members of the Sindh Assembly for allegedly undermining the dignity of the house and express regret to the Christian community.
He also called on the Sindh government and relevant institutions to investigate the constitutional, legal and consultation-related aspects of the bill to protect minority rights, religious freedom and interfaith harmony.
