Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has assured a delegation representing minority rights organizations of his full support for the timely processing of assent to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hindu Marriage Act 2026, aimed at safeguarding the legal rights of the Hindu community in the province. A high-level National Lobbying Delegation (NLD) for Minority Rights, led by Deputy Speaker of the Sindh Assembly Anthony Naveed, called on the Governor at the Governor House.

The delegation thanked the Governor for the unanimous passage of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hindu Marriage Act 2026 by the provincial assembly and urged him to grant prompt assent to the bill to facilitate its early implementation. The delegation said the legislation would provide legal recognition and protection to Hindu marriages in the province, ensure compulsory marriage registration, safeguard the rights of women and children, and facilitate access to legal documentation, including CNICs, inheritance and other official records through linkage with NADRA.

The delegation comprised Anthony Naveed, Haroon Sarab Diyal, Krishan Sharma, Pushpa Kumari, Romana Bashir, Atif Jamil Paggan and Jai Parkash Moorani. Governor Kundi welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the importance of the legislation in promoting and protecting the constitutional rights of religious minorities. He assured the delegation of his full cooperation for the timely processing of the bill and its effective implementation.

Speaking on the occasion, Anthony Naveed said the passage of the legislation reflected the inclusive vision of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and urged early assent so that Hindu citizens could benefit from the legal protections without delay. Haroon Sarab Diyal said the Act would end decades of legal uncertainty surrounding Hindu marriages in the province and appreciated the role of the Governor, Chief Minister, Speaker and members of the provincial assembly in supporting the legislation.

He said the National Lobbying Delegation would continue to work with the provincial government in framing rules and creating public awareness to ensure the effective implementation of the Act.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)