Punjab government to zero in on 'fake' pastors not registered to issue certificates

A government official in India said that Punjab authorities might soon begin a crackdown on what they deem as impostor pastors who issue marriage and other certificates to Christians. However, Christians have slammed the use of the label "fake."

"Violence against Christian is rising, cases of blasphemy against Christian are at peak, Christian women are abducted and forced to convert to Islam and Christians are not enjoying equal rights in Punjab province of Pakistan, but Human Rights and Minorities Affair Mr. Khalil Tahir seals his lips on floor of house," Dr. Nazir S Bhatti of the Pakistan Christian Congress PCC said, as quoted by the Pakistan Christian Post, "but announces crackdown on Pastors and Bishops who not joining Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz PML (N) to please his masters."

During the Punjab Assembly on May 26, Tahir Khalil Sandhu, Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs, told those present that there are pastors who issue certificates that are not recognized by the government. The Christians to whom these are issued could subsequently have problems in obtaining marriages, divorce or deaths registered with the Punjab provincial government. They are also reportedly the ones who solemnize underage marriages.

"According to the Local Government Act, 2013, the local governments are responsible for registering marriages and deaths without any discrimination of religion and they are doing their job vigilantly," Sandhu said.

In a Pakistan Today report, lawmaker Sunila Ruth pointed out that many pastors and bishops are not listed in the marriage list. Sadhu clarified that the list of those who are authorized by the government to issue marriage, divorce, or death certificates to Christians is being updated with the help of the Minority Advisory Council.

Sandhu seems to have been implying that just because a pastor is not on the list or is not recommended by the Punjab Minorities Council, then he is already deemed as "fake." Bhatti had reportedly asked Chief Minister of Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif to intervene in this issue.

"Catholic Church of Pakistan, Church of Pakistan, Baptists, Evangelists and House Churches with big or small congregations are respectable for Christians and same are persons who are honored with Clerical Collars and we will not allow anyone to publically disrespect them as Selected Minister Mr. Sandhu dared to do on floor of Punjab Assembly," Bhatti said.

Bhatti is said to have asked Interior Minister Ch. Nisar Ali to have the National Database and Registration Authority recognize and register Christian death and marriage certificates issued by licensed pastors and bishops rather than rely on the list by the Punjab Minorities Council.

According to Daily Times, NADRA had already started the registration of Christian marriages, births, and deaths at union council level in all 36 districts.