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No More Child Marriages In The Capital!
In a major win for child protection and women’s rights, the National Assembly of Pakistan has unanimously passed a landmark bill banning child marriage within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
The bill, tabled by MNA Sharmila Faruqui, introduces stringent penalties for anyone found violating the law…and marks a significant step toward eliminating underage marriages in the country!
Here’s what the bill outlines:
- No individual under the age of 18 can be legally married—regardless of gender.
- Valid CNICs required: Nikah registrars must verify the age of both parties before registering a marriage.
Plus strict penalties also announced!
Nikah khwans who officiate underage marriages may face up to 1 year in prison and a Rs100,000 fine
Male adults marrying minors may receive 2 to 3 years of rigorous imprisonment and a hefty fine. And Cohabitation resulting from a child marriage is officially defined as child abuse, punishable by 5 to 7 years imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs1 million.
Parents, guardians, or anyone who promotes or enables a child marriage may face 2 to 3 years imprisonment and a fine
Additionally, the bill empowers the courts to intervene and prohibit child marriages before they occur, based on information shared by parents or third parties—even anonymously.
Once enacted, the bill will repeal the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 (as applicable in Islamabad), replacing it with a far more comprehensive and enforceable legal framework. It aligns with Pakistan’s international obligations, including Goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which targets the elimination of child marriage by 2030.
“In this modern day and age, we have the research that clearly shows child marriage is detrimental to the health and wellbeing of both genders—especially young girls,” the bill states
The legislation aims to not only criminalize the practice but also protect minors from abuse, exploitation, and early parenthood!