A Christian legislator in Pakistan’s Punjab province has introduced a bill to protect the property of religious minorities, including Christians. Falbous Christopher, serving as a representative in the assembly of Pakistan’s most populated province, introduced the Punjab Protection of Communal Properties of Minorities Act 2026 last week.

In an interview with Christian Daily International, Falbous said, “The legislation will significantly expand what constitutes protected minority properties. In addition to religious institutions such as churches, Sikh gurdwaras, and Hindu temples, the bill covers properties acquired or developed through government grants, public funds, charity contributions, joint community funds, and foreign donations earmarked for minority welfare.”

While the bill still awaits debate in the province’s assembly and would only be enforced in Punjab, its passage would hold great hope for Pakistani Christians. Christians in the country’s most populated region will have greater legal protection for their physical churches and other properties. And if the bill becomes law, it could have a ripple effect throughout the other provinces of Pakistan.

“We welcome this proposed legislation as an important step toward safeguarding church and minority assets in this province,” said ICC President Shawn Wright. “For too long, Christian communities have faced challenges protecting their properties and places of worship from the majority and the Pakistani government. While this bill applies to only one state, we pray it will serve as a model for the rest of Pakistan. Meaningful protection for religious minorities should not depend on geography, and we encourage leaders nationwide to adopt similar measures to ensure equal security and dignity for all.”

The bill is set to be debated in the Punjab Assembly’s next session this March.

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