News Desk Islamabad:
President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill into law, setting 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage across Pakistan. The legislation addresses long-standing concerns, particularly from minority communities, over the issue of child marriages.
Under the new law, no nikah khawan (marriage registrar) is permitted to solemnize a marriage if either party is under the age of 18. Violators may face up to one year in prison and a fine of up to PKR 100,000.
The law also stipulates that if an adult male marries an underage girl, he can be sentenced to up to three years of rigorous imprisonment.
The bill was initially introduced in the National Assembly by MNA Sharmila Faruqi and later presented in the Senate by Senator Sherry Rehman. It includes provisions for judicial intervention; if a court becomes aware of an impending underage marriage, it is authorized to issue orders to prevent it. Furthermore, the law ensures that any party reporting such a marriage can request anonymity and protection.
The passage of this legislation has been widely welcomed by civil society, human rights organizations, and minority groups, who have long advocated for stronger measures against child marriage in Pakistan. Many view this as a significant step toward protecting the rights and wellbeing of children, especially young girls, across the country.