Awareness and Consensus Building on Reforms Regarding Christian Marriages and Effective Political Representation of Religious Minorities
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM) launched a project
Focused on two critical yet under-addressed issues affecting religious minorities in Pakistan: (1) reforms in Christian marriage and divorce laws, and (2) effective political representation of religious minorities. This multi-dimensional project was carried out in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) provinces and combined research, advocacy, community awareness, and consensus-building among stakeholders. It stands out as a rare effort to engage minority leadership in constructive dialogue and foster public opinion on deeply rooted legal and political challenges.
The project aimed to enhance understanding and consensus among religious minority leaders and the broader public about Christian personal laws and political representation mechanisms. It sought to generate public demand and influence policy through the dissemination of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials such as pamphlets and flyers—both in Urdu and English—covering Christian marriage/divorce issues and political participation. These materials were widely distributed through stalls, social media, postal services, and advocacy sessions with parliamentarians and decision-makers.
To strengthen dialogue on Christian matrimonial laws, AWAM conducted a series of consultation meetings under the theme “Sanctity of Christian Marriages: Contemporary Challenges to Concept and Practices.” Human rights expert Mr. Peter Jacob led these discussions, while Mr. Naseem Anthony moderated them to maintain focus and foster meaningful engagement. These consultations helped develop logical, faith-sensitive arguments and led to key outcomes such as consensus on reinterpreting religious values, mobilizing church leadership for open dialogue, and calling for the establishment of a separate registration authority for Christian marriages and divorces.
Participants strongly emphasized the need for a distinct legal framework for church and marriage registration.
In line with its objectives, AWAM also hosted four interactive seminars titled “Reforms in Electoral Laws and Christian Marriage Laws” in Faisalabad, Khanewal, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. These sessions brought together 569 participants from various religious and political backgrounds to deepen awareness about legal reforms. Mr. Peter Jacob handled the technical sessions and presented on crucial topics including the dual vote system, identity challenges, church registration, and human rights-based standards for Christian divorce laws. The sessions encouraged participant interaction, allowing them to question panelists and contribute to the dialogue constructively.
One of the most significant outcomes of the seminars was the development of a consensus-based set of recommendations, which were submitted to the Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms (PCER). These recommendations aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of political representation for religious minorities. The project not only educated and mobilized minority communities but also successfully linked grassroots consensus with national-level policy discourse—contributing to a more inclusive and equitable democratic framework in Pakistan.
Contact
- Address: P-98/15, Street 1, Block-B, Al-Fayyaz Colony, Satyyana Road, Faisalabad-Pakistan (38000)
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel/Fax: +92-41-8554335
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