MPA demands return of minority educational institutions across Punjab

A government member of the Punjab Assembly, Philbos Christopher, has called for the return of educational institutions belonging to minority communities across the province, including in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Speaking in the assembly, Christopher said that several institutions established by minority communities, including Gordon College Rawalpindi, St. Francis College Anarkali, St. Anthony Girls High School and Government Rang Mahal High School, should be handed back to their original owners.

He stated that these institutions were historically owned by the church and should be returned to enable minority communities to continue their educational services. “Our religious leaders have been striving for decades for the restoration of these institutions,” he said, adding that their nationalisation had led to a decline in facilities.

Christopher also referred to recent educational measures under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, noting that minority students were now being taught their respective religious texts in schools and colleges on government directives.

Another speaker, Emmanuel Athar, highlighted the contributions of minority communities in the fields of education and healthcare, stating that they had played a significant role in national development.

Responding to the concerns, Parliamentary Secretary Nosheen Adnan informed the House that the Human Rights Department Committee was working on the matter and aimed to complete its review within a month. She added that the government would implement court decisions regarding the return of minority educational institutions.

Christopher further pointed out that some institutions not involved in litigation had also not been returned, urging the government to expedite the process.