Catholic bishops from Pakistan, including three archbishops, four bishops, and a cardinal, visited the Vatican to present reports and meet with Pope Leo XIV. The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, Bishop Samson Shukardin, highlighted the difficulties encountered by Christians in Pakistan, such as the misuse of blasphemy laws, discrimination, and forced conversions targeting young Christian girls. He emphasized the lack of equal rights for Christians in the country.
During the meeting, the bishops extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Pakistan, although no official travel announcement has been made by the Vatican. Pope Leo expressed interest in the invitation, indicating his willingness to visit Pakistan in the future. Meanwhile, minority rights organizations in Pakistan have called on the federal government to introduce constitutional reforms to enhance protection for religious minorities, women, and children.
Leaders of the Minorities Alliance Pakistan and affiliated groups proposed a reform package that seeks changes to constitutional provisions related to political representation, religious freedom, and child protection. They emphasized the need to ensure equality before the law and equal opportunities for all individuals in Pakistan. The proposed amendments aim to safeguard children from forced religious conversions and child marriages, advocating for a ban on religious conversion of individuals under 18 years without proper consent.
The reform package also includes suggestions for direct elections for seats reserved for non-Muslims and women in the National Assembly and provincial assemblies. Akmal Bhatti, the chairman of the Minorities Alliance Pakistan, urged the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms to engage with minority communities, legal experts, and civil society organizations in finalizing the amendment package.
