While Christians are regularly accused of blasphemy across Pakistan as a way of settling property, business, and personal vendettas, an interesting thing took place in the Sindh Provincial Assembly, the Christian Daily International reports.

For the first time in its history, a Christian politician was elected as Deputy Speaker. Anthony Naveed, who is a member of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), won the nomination this past Sunday, defeating his opponent in a 111 to 36 vote. In other words, it wasn’t even close.

Naveed, 53, a Catholic, has been active in his community promoting Christian endeavors such as the Karachi Christian Boys Association and Catholic Youth Commission of Pakistan.

“The PPP is the only political party that is taking concrete steps to protect the rights of all minorities, including the Christian community, and empowering them socially, politically and economically,” Naveed said in an interview with the Christian Daily International.

The province of Sindh is located in Southeastern Pakistan and is known as the ‘Gateway of Islam.’. With a population of 56 million, it is the country’s second-largest province.