ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has welcomed the introduction of the Christian Family Laws Bill in the Sindh Assembly, terming it an important step towards strengthening legal protection, access to justice and safeguards for Christian women, girls and children.

The NCSW has lauded the role of Deputy Speaker Sindh Assembly Anthony Naveed and other parliamentarians who contributed to the legislative process.

The national commission has expressed support for the formulation of a comprehensive, rights-based framework governing Christian family matters.

The commission said that over the past three years, the NCSW, in collaboration with its partner organisations across Pakistan, has been consistently pursuing reforms in Christian family laws.

The NCSW has engaged with parliamentarians, relevant institutions, legal experts, civil society, faith representatives and the Christian community itself to identify legal gaps and promote reforms that protect families, particularly women and girls.

It believes that existing Christian family laws require continued review to address issues including cruelty, gender-based violence, abandonment, marriage, divorce, maintenance, custody and guardianship, with the dignity, rights and best interests of women and children at the centre.

The commission considers the Sindh initiative an opportunity to advance an equitable and effective legal framework while encouraging similar constructive legislative engagement across provinces.

The NCSW reiterates that its mandate is for every woman and girl of Pakistan — without distinction based on religion, community, ethnicity, province or place of origin.

It will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders and communities to strive for excellence in laws and policies that uphold equality, dignity, justice and protection from discrimination and violence.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2026