The Punjab government has moved ahead with proposed reforms to Christian personal laws, including plans to introduce an online registration system for Christian marriages across the province.
The proposed digital system is aimed at improving transparency, accuracy and accessibility in official marriage records.
The reforms were discussed during the second meeting of a high-level technical committee established on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The committee is reviewing possible amendments to laws governing Christian marriages and other personal law matters.
Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora chaired the meeting.
Christian Marriage Act Amendments Move Forward
The technical committee reached consensus on proposed amendments to the Christian Marriage Act.
Members agreed that the proposed Christian Marriage Amendment Act should be presented before the Punjab Assembly for further consideration.
If approved, the amendments would introduce major changes to the process of registering Christian marriages in Punjab.
One of the key proposals is the creation of a fully online marriage registration system.
The digital process is expected to make official records easier to maintain and verify.
Authorities also believe it could reduce errors, duplication and delays associated with manual registration procedures.
The proposed system would provide a more structured mechanism for maintaining marriage records involving members of the Christian community.
Further details regarding the registration procedure, documentation requirements and implementation schedule are expected to be finalized as the legislative process moves forward.
Committee Reviews Wider Christian Personal Law Reforms
The meeting also examined broader proposals relating to Christian personal laws.
Committee members reviewed recommendations prepared by a sub-committee tasked with studying possible legal amendments.
Officials from the relevant department briefed participants on the proposed changes and their possible implementation.
Dr Noel Khokhar also delivered a presentation during the meeting.
The discussions focused on creating a clearer and more modern legal framework for matters affecting the Christian community.
The provincial government has said the reforms are intended to improve administrative procedures and strengthen protections available under personal laws.
The committee will continue reviewing the proposals before final recommendations are incorporated into legislation.
Religious Education Planned for Minority Prisoners
The meeting also considered religious education facilities for prisoners belonging to minority communities.
The committee decided that minority prisoners should be provided access to religious education and examination opportunities.
Certified teachers will be nominated to provide religious instruction to eligible prisoners.
A separate committee has also been established to supervise the programme.
It will oversee the nomination of certified teachers as well as the education and examination process.
The initiative is intended to ensure that prisoners from minority communities have access to religious learning opportunities while serving their sentences.
Authorities are expected to develop detailed procedures covering teacher selection, educational material and examinations.
The move forms part of the provincial government’s broader efforts to address issues affecting religious minority communities.
The proposed Christian marriage registration reforms will now move towards the Punjab Assembly, where lawmakers are expected to consider the amendment bill before any changes become law.
