Punjab raises legal marriage age to 18

The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Local Government and Community Development has approved a landmark bill to set 18 years as the minimum legal age of marriage for both boys and girls across the province. The move abolishes the earlier provision that allowed girls to marry at 16.

The committee unanimously passed the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, marking a major step toward strengthening child protection laws and curbing the practice of early marriages. The proposed legislation declares child marriage a cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable offence, empowering law enforcement agencies to take immediate action without the possibility of private settlements.

Under the bill, strict penalties have been outlined for those involved in facilitating child marriages. Parents, guardians, adult spouses, and Nikah registrars could face up to seven years in prison along with fines reaching Rs1 million. The law also treats cohabitation following a child marriage as child abuse, carrying even harsher consequences.

Punjab Introduces Strict Law, Sets 18 as Legal Marriage Age

To ensure swift justice, the legislation directs courts to decide such cases within 90 days. The committee also instructed the local government department to finalise draft rules within 60 days and present them for approval, ensuring timely implementation of the law.

The meeting, chaired by Muhammad Ashraf Rasool, included participation from provincial officials and relevant departments. Lawmakers observed that the bill would help address gender inequality, protect children’s rights, and discourage harmful social practices.

If enacted, the law is expected to align Punjab with international child protection standards and reinforce the province’s commitment to safeguarding minors. It also signals a broader policy shift toward stronger legal frameworks aimed at protecting vulnerable groups and promoting social justice.