The Punjab Protection of the Rights of Religious Minorities Bill 2026 was introduced by Falbous Christopher, chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs. The proposed legislation sought to criminalise forced conversion, prescribing penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment and fines for individuals found guilty of coercion, threats, or undue influence.
According to the draft, courts would be empowered to intervene in cases of forced marriages involving minority individuals, including issuing protection orders. The bill also prohibited discrimination based on religion in education, employment, access to public spaces and delivery of services.
In addition, the legislation called for the protection of minority places of worship and religious property, while recommending a review of educational curricula to remove content that promotes hatred, intolerance, or discrimination.
Read More: MQM-P urges protection of minorities on Holi
Commenting on the development, Shahid Rehmat, executive director of Youth Development Foundation, said the bill represented a significant step towards institutionalising protections for minorities.
He noted that effective implementation, institutional coordination and safeguards for vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, would be critical to its success.
Separately, Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu said the legislation reflected constitutional guarantees of equality and protection for all citizens. He described the move to address forced conversions through a legal framework as a necessary and long-overdue step.
The bill, if passed, is expected to provide a comprehensive legal framework aimed at reinforcing protections for minority communities and promoting equality, inclusion, and the rule of law in the province.