Petition Challenges Child Marriage Restraint Law in Federal Shariat Court

A petition has been filed in the Federal Shariat Court contesting the newly passed Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025, which sets 18 as the minimum legal age for girls to marry.

The petition was submitted by citizen Shehzada Adnan, represented by Advocate Mudasar Chaudhry. It argues that the law contradicts Islamic teachings as outlined in the Quran and Hadith. The petitioner maintains that Islam does not specify a minimum age for marriage, and therefore, setting such a limit through legislation goes against Shariah.

Furthermore, the petition raises objections to the law’s punitive measures, which include rigorous imprisonment for those found guilty of conducting or facilitating underage marriages. According to the petitioner, these penalties are not in line with Islamic principles and are also unconstitutional.

The petitioner has requested the court to strike down the law, declaring it inconsistent with Islamic injunctions, and has sought an interim order to prevent the authorities from prosecuting individuals under the new law until the court delivers a final decision.