A Lutheran bishop in Pakistan has opposed an act that mandates a federal ministry to sell the properties of religious minorities.
Under the Protection of Communal Properties of Minorities Act, 2020, a “ministry concerned” is mandated to issue a no-objection certificate for the sale / purchase / transfer / gifts of minority properties on the re-commendation of the National Commission for Minorities.
The National Assembly’s standing committee on religious affairs and interfaith harmony has approved the bill.
“We reject this ordinance. It only paves the way for selling these properties. It is a conspiracy against Christians. We shall challenge it in court,” said Bishop Jimmy Mathew of Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The bishop, who also spear-heads the Save the Church Property Movement, was addressing a July 6 press conference at the National Press Club Islamabad.
The act has sent shivers of unease through the Church of Pakistan, which has been engaged in court cases to reclaim land from rival factions. The disputed Protestant properties include schools, shops, church compounds and missionary and educational organizations.