May 17, 2025
By Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD
In a historic move on Friday, May 16, the National Assembly unanimously passed a bill banning child marriages. The law will initially be enforced in the federal capital, Islamabad. This legislation not only safeguards the fundamental human rights of children but also ensures a healthier future for them.
The bill was introduced by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Member of the National Assembly, Sharmila Faruqi. Its aim is to curb child marriages in Pakistan and ensure effective legal action against the practice. According to the bill, the marriage, nikah, or official registration of anyone under the age of 18 will be considered a punishable offense.
The bill binds marriage registrars to refuse registration of child marriages and requires the nikah khawan (officiating cleric) to verify the presence of both parties’ computerized national identity cards (CNICs). Violations could result in one year of imprisonment, a fine of Rs. 100,000, or both.
Under the new law, any adult who marries a person under 18 will be deemed a criminal and face a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine. The bill further states that forcing or luring a minor into marriage will be equated with sexual abuse.
Parents, guardians, and anyone arranging such marriages are also liable for punishment under the bill. Anyone employing, sheltering, or taking custody of a child with the intent of marriage could face three years of imprisonment and a fine. Parents who marry off their underage children or promote such marriages will also face three years of rigorous imprisonment and heavy fines.
Forcing or transporting a child out of their area for marriage will be treated as child trafficking and will be punishable by five to seven years in prison along with a fine. The law empowers courts to issue restraining orders to stop child marriages and mandates that related cases be resolved within 90 days.
Human rights activist Farzana Bari welcomed the legislation, calling it a “landmark bill” that is a revolutionary step for the protection of children—especially girls—in terms of health, education, and life. She noted that Pakistan often suffers from poor implementation of laws after they’re passed, and therefore stressed the need for community-based watch committees comprising local representatives, human rights activists, and citizens to ensure enforcement.
Punjab Assembly member Uzma Kardar also praised the bill and said it’s time for similar legislation in major provinces like Punjab to protect the future of girls there. She shared that she has personally been advocating for this law in Punjab for the past six years, but political opposition and social pressure have hindered progress.
Minority rights activist Safdar Chaudhry also welcomed the bill but highlighted the grim reality that laws in Pakistan often lack enforcement. He expressed hope that the new legislation would help curb issues like the abduction, forced marriages, and forced religious conversions of minority girls.