President Zardari Signs Bill Banning Child Marriages in Pakistan

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has signed a significant bill into law prohibiting child marriages, making such acts non-bailable offences across Pakistan.

The legislation, previously approved by both the National Assembly and Senate, establishes the minimum legal marriage age at 18 years. It was proposed by Sharmila Faruqui in the National Assembly and Senator Sherry Rehman in the Senate.

Under the new law, no nikah khawan (marriage registrar) will be allowed to solemnise a marriage if either party is under 18. Violating this provision can result in up to one year in prison and a fine of PKR 100,000.

Furthermore, if a man above the age of 18 marries a minor girl, he can face up to three years of rigorous imprisonment. The law also mandates that if anyone becomes aware of an underage marriage being planned, they are legally obligated to intervene and stop it.