News Desk
Lahore, July 10, 2024:
The Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference, through its Human Rights body, the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), has warmly welcomed the passage of the Christian Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The bill, introduced by Naveed Aamir Jeeva, was unanimously approved by the Senate on July 9, 2024, and aims to amend the Christian Marriage Act of 1872.
In a joint statement, Bishop Samson Shukardin, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference and Chairperson of NCJP, Rev. Fr. Bernard Emmanuel, National Director of NCJP, and Naeem Yousaf Gill, Executive Director of NCJP, expressed their gratitude. They commended the members of the National Assembly and Senate for their diligent work on this historic amendment. The leaders noted that the amendment is expected to curb the trend of early marriages among minor girls in the Christian community, particularly in rural areas.
The NCJP has been collaborating with Naveed Aamir Jeeva on this issue since 2019, emphasizing the importance of raising the legal marriage age to 18 years for both Christian boys and girls.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the entire parliament for passing this bill unanimously. This legislation will play a crucial role in protecting our young and minor girls from forced conversions and marriages. We hope the government will take further steps to criminalize forced conversions,” the leaders added.
The NCJP leaders expressed optimism that this legislative victory would lead to broader protections for the Christian community and set a precedent for further human rights advancements in Pakistan.
Highly appreciated on result orriented representation of 2nd time PPPP MNA NAVEED AMIR JEEVA , wisely, bravely,boldly and sincerely presented constitutional amendment bills on the National Assembly of Pakistan..We are also appreciating him on his commitedely struggle to resolve common minority issues and carry on his struggle till success.
Khalid Gill Quaid-e-Aqleat PPP_