Church leaders have questioned the relevance of the country’s first elected Christian senator, saying he would exert little influence in public affairs.

Pakistan’s Election Commission announced today the election of Kamran Michael, the minister for minority affairs, finance and human rights in Punjab, along with 12 others, as new senators.

The country’s first Christian senator was elected unopposed after a rival contender withdrew from the race, the commission said in a statement.

Several Catholic priests have said the election, which follows an expansion of Senate seats from 100 to 104 to include representatives of religious minorities, would have little impact.

“He is not popular in Christian circles. Other provinces have nominated Hindu candidates, and one Christian lawmaker cannot exert his influence,” said Father Francis Nadim, patron of the National Council for Interfaith Dialogue in Lahore.

Michael drew widespread criticism after backing the Punjab government’s decision to demolish a chapel and sewing center managed by Caritas Pakistan in Lahore. Hundreds of Christians staged a protest against Michael last month.

“We have several land documents proving his involvement in usurping Church property. He rejected the presence of the chapel at the demolished site. Bishop Sebastian Shah of Lahore tried to seek his help in several meetings,” said Fr Joseph Louis, executive secretary of Caritas Pakistan in Lahore. “He only represents his party, not the people.”

However Peter Jacob, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan’s National Commission for Justice and Peace, rejected the criticisms of the new senator.

“This is an important development after restoration of joint elections in 2002. A Christian senator has advantages. The Church needs to enhance the impact of this experimental phase,” he said.

“There were several social and political processes [at play] in the property scandal. Intolerant attitudes and bashing below the belt will not help. We have to rise above personalities and open our hearts to work with the government.”

The Pakistani government has only nominated Christians for federal minister positions in the last two decades.