ISLAMABAD: Sajid Sandhu, Chairman of the International Religious Freedom–Peace Builders Forum (IRF-PBF) Pakistan & South Asia and Interfaith League Against Poverty (I-LAP), has urged the government to ensure broad consultation with churches and Christian leaders before introducing changes to Christian marriage and family laws in Punjab and Sindh.
Sandhu acknowledged the need to review existing laws to strengthen legal protections, dignity, due process and access to justice, particularly for women and children. However, he stressed that Christian marriage is not merely a civil contract but a sacred covenant rooted in Holy Scripture and Christian faith.
“For Christians, marriage is a sacred covenant instituted by God,” Sandhu said, citing Matthew 19:6: “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
He called for meaningful consultation with recognised churches and denominations, bishops, theologians, biblical scholars, legal experts, women and other appropriate Christian representatives before legislation is finalised.
Sandhu said reforms can address issues such as marriage registration, forced and underage marriage, protection of women and children, abandonment and access to justice without compromising the biblical foundations of Christian marriage.
Referring to Article 20 of Pakistan’s Constitution, he also urged lawmakers to respect religious freedom and the theological and ecclesiastical autonomy of Christian churches.
“Reviewing the law and remaining faithful to biblical principles need not be in conflict,” Sandhu said, adding that reforms should strengthen rather than divide Pakistan’s Christian community.
He called for wisdom, patience, dialogue and consensus to ensure that any legislation protects human dignity and justice while respecting Scripture, Christian faith and the distinct character of Christian personal law.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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