Islamabad (GNP): The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has welcomed the introduction of the Christian Family Laws Bill in the Sindh Assembly, calling it a significant step toward strengthening legal protections, improving access to justice, and safeguarding the rights of Christian women, girls, and children.
The Commission acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed and other lawmakers involved in advancing the legislation, expressing support for continued efforts toward a comprehensive, rights-based legal framework governing Christian family matters.
Over the past three years, NCSW — working alongside partner organizations across Pakistan — has consistently pushed for reforms to Christian family laws, engaging with parliamentarians, relevant institutions, legal experts, civil society groups, faith representatives, and the Christian community itself to identify gaps in existing legislation and promote reforms aimed at protecting families, particularly women and girls.
The Commission maintains that current Christian family laws need ongoing review to better address issues such as cruelty, gender-based violence, abandonment, marriage, divorce, maintenance, custody, and guardianship — with the dignity, rights, and best interests of women and children placed at the center of any reform.
NCSW views the Sindh initiative as an opportunity to advance a fair and effective legal framework, while encouraging similar constructive legislative action in other provinces.
The Commission reaffirmed that its mandate covers every woman and girl in Pakistan, regardless of religion, community, ethnicity, province, or place of origin, and said it will continue working with relevant stakeholders and communities to pursue stronger laws and policies that promote equality, dignity, justice, and protection from discrimination and violence.
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NCSW reiterated its commitment to supporting inclusive, evidence-based, and consultative legislative reforms that protect women, girls, and families throughout Pakistan.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
