LAHORE: Punjab has moved forward with proposed reforms to Christian personal laws, including plans to introduce an online registration system for Christian marriages.
The development came during the second meeting of a high-level technical committee formed on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to review reforms to Christian personal laws.
Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora chaired the meeting.
Committee Approves Proposed Amendments
The committee reached a consensus on proposed amendments to the Christian Marriage Act.
It also agreed to present the Christian Marriage Amendment Act before the provincial assembly.
The proposed online registration system aims to make Christian marriage records more transparent and accurate. It could also help improve the management and accessibility of official marriage records.
Christian Personal Laws Reviewed
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the adoption of Christian personal laws and amendments proposed by the sub-committee.
The relevant department briefed the committee on the proposals. Meanwhile, Dr Noel Khokhar also delivered a presentation on the matter.
The committee discussed the proposed legal changes as part of its broader review of Christian personal laws in Punjab.
Religious Education for Minority Prisoners
The committee also decided to provide religious education and examination facilities to prisoners belonging to minority communities.
Certified teachers will be nominated to provide religious education to minority prisoners.
Furthermore, the committee formed a separate body to oversee the programme. It will supervise religious education, examination facilities and the nomination of certified teachers.
The measures are aimed at improving access to religious education and examination opportunities for minority prisoners.
