A new bill aimed at safeguarding minority communities’ properties has been introduced in Pakistan’s Punjab Assembly. The proposed legislation was moved by Falbous Christopher, the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs in the assembly.
The bill introduces a powerful Provincial Action Committee to oversee and manage collective properties belonging to all minority groups residing in Punjab. This committee will be chaired by a minority member nominated by the provincial chief minister, comprising key stakeholders such as Human Rights and Law departments along with notable community members.
Under this law, no property can be sold, transferred, leased, or mortgaged without prior government approval; any transaction done clandestinely will not have legal standing. Moreover, individuals found guilty of illegal sales or transfers could face up to seven years in prison and fines exceeding Rs100,000.
The committee’s role extends beyond oversight into facilitating resolutions for minority communities concerning their shared assets. Its comprehensive records document all collective properties, monitor encroachments, and ensure proper management against misuse.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to protecting minorities’ interests in Punjab, reaffirmed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif who stated there would be no compromise on safeguarding these groups’ rights.