Punjab Assembly Committee Approves Ordinance Banning Child Marriages
A Punjab Assembly Standing Committee has taken a decisive step by approving an ordinance that bans child marriages across the province. This move, however, appears to diverge from the past recommendations of Pakistan's top religious advisory body, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII). The meeting, chaired by Committee Chairman Pir Ashraf Rasool, endorsed the Punjab Child Marriage Ordinance 2026, which has already received approval from Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider.
Key Provisions of the Ordinance
Under the ordinance, marriage of individuals below the age of 18 has been strictly prohibited. The law makes it mandatory for both the bride and groom to be at least 18 years old at the time of marriage. It declares child marriage a punishable criminal offence, with strict penalties outlined for violators. Any individual solemnizing or registering an underage marriage, including nikah registrars, will face a minimum of one year imprisonment along with a fine of Rs100,000.
Opposition from the Council of Islamic Ideology
The Council of Islamic Ideology has consistently opposed the fixation of a minimum legal age for marriage, maintaining that proposals to raise the marriage age to 18 are "un-Islamic" and, in some instances, "blasphemous." The council's position is based on its interpretation of Islamic jurisprudence, which holds that eligibility for marriage should be determined by the attainment of puberty rather than a specific chronological age.
However, the recommendations of the Council of Islamic Ideology are advisory in nature. While they carry significant moral weight, they are not binding, and the government retains the authority to override them in order to enact legislation aimed at protecting children and advancing child welfare. Also, the CII's recommendations often influence public debate and can shape political and religious responses to such laws.
Strict Penalties and Enforcement Measures
Under the provisions of this ordinance, individuals found marrying a minor will be subject to up to three years in prison and a fine of Rs500,000. In a stricter provision, marriages involving individuals under 18 will be treated as a form of sexual abuse, carrying a penalty of up to seven years imprisonment and a fine of Rs1 million.
The law also targets those attempting to bypass restrictions by conducting marriages outside the province. Anyone taking a minor from Punjab to another province for marriage will face up to seven years imprisonment and a fine of Rs1 million. Parents or guardians, as well as any individuals facilitating or attempting to arrange underage marriages, will be liable to up to two years in prison and a fine of Rs500,000. Nikah registrars and parents may also face legal action for negligence.
Historical Context and Future Steps
In May 2025, the Council of Islamic Ideology formally rejected the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, which was subsequently enacted into law despite its objections. The council argued that classifying marriage below the age of 18 as a criminal offence or form of child abuse is not consistent with Islamic injunctions.
Officials said that following the committee's approval, the ordinance will be presented before the Punjab Assembly for passage. Once approved by the House and the Punjab governor, it will formally become law, marking a significant step in child protection efforts in the region.
