National Assembly Passes Bill Banning Child Marriages in Pakistan

Islamabad: National Assembly Passes Bill Banning Child Marriages in Pakistan

In a landmark move to protect children’s rights, the National Assembly has passed a bill outlawing the marriage of individuals under the age of 18. The newly approved legislation declares child marriage a punishable criminal offence, setting strict penalties for those involved. This ban will be implemented in Islamabad.

Under the bill, registering a marriage involving individuals under 18 is now considered a legal crime. Nikah registrars are required to verify and ensure the presence of both parties’ National Identity Cards before conducting or registering a marriage. Failure to do so may result in up to one year in prison, a fine of up to PKR 100,000, or both.

The bill explicitly states that marrying a girl under 18 years of age will be deemed a criminal act. If an adult man marries a minor girl, he may face a minimum of two years and up to three years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine.

Importantly, the bill equates marriage to a minor with statutory rape. Anyone found encouraging, forcing, or coercing a minor into marriage will be charged with rape and punished accordingly. Those who arrange such marriages can face between five and seven years in prison and a fine of up to PKR 1 million.

Moreover, the bill includes penalties for those who provide shelter or employment to children with the intention of marriage. Such acts are punishable by up to three years in prison and a financial penalty.

Parents and guardians who arrange underage marriages are also liable under this law, facing up to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine.

The bill goes a step further by addressing child trafficking, stating that relocating a marriage child will be treated as trafficking. Offenders will be subject to five to seven years in prison and additional fines.

To prevent such marriages, courts are authorised to issue restraining orders. The legislation also mandates that all cases related to child marriages must be concluded within 90 days to ensure swift justice.

   “Pakistan’s senate passes resolution to ban child marriages”

On International Women’s Day, the Senate of Pakistan unanimously passed a 12-point resolution, with a primary focus on banning child marriages.

The resolution, presented by Senator Sherry Rehman, underscores the urgent need for strict legal measures to prevent underage marriages and safeguard young girls from forced unions.

During the session, Sherry Rehman highlighted the increasing cases of child marriages, particularly in rural areas, stressing the necessity of legislation to ensure girls receive education and opportunities rather than being married off at a young age.

The resolution calls for strict enforcement of existing laws against child marriages and urges the government to standardise the legal marriage age across all provinces to prevent exploitation.

In addition to child marriage reforms, the Senate addressed other pressing women’s rights issues, including equal pay, workplace harassment, and honour killings.

However, the ban on child marriages remained a central demand. Lawmakers emphasized that early marriages severely impact girls’ health, education, and future prospects, making it imperative for the state to intervene with stronger regulations and nationwide awareness campaigns.