April 14, 2026
By Aitzaz Ibrahim
LAHORE
The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Local Government and Community Development has approved the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, marking a significant legislative step toward curbing underage marriages in the province, though the move has sparked legal and constitutional debate among lawmakers and experts.
The decision was taken during a committee meeting held on April 13, 2026, chaired by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Pir Ashraf Rasool. Members of the Women Parliamentary Caucus were also present as observers. The bill, previously promulgated as an ordinance in February by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, must now be passed by the provincial assembly before it lapses in May, upon completion of its 90-day constitutional period.
A shift toward uniform marriage age
At the core of the proposed legislation is the establishment of 18 years as the minimum legal age of marriage for both males and females. This marks a departure from the earlier legal framework under the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, which permitted marriage at 16 for girls and 18 for boys.
Supporters of the bill argue that the revised age limit eliminates gender-based discrimination and aligns Punjab’s legal framework with contemporary child protection standards. The committee observed that the legislation aims to not only prevent child marriages but also address the broader spectrum of exploitation and abuse associated with the practice.
The committee also directed the Punjab Local Government Department to draft the rules under the proposed law and present them within 60 days for review and approval.
Strict penalties and expanded legal scope
The bill introduces stringent penalties targeting all individuals involved in facilitating child marriages. Nikah registrars are prohibited from registering marriages involving minors, with violations punishable by up to one year of imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000.
Adults entering into marriage with a child face rigorous imprisonment ranging from two to three years, along with fines of up to Rs500,000. The legislation goes further by criminalising cohabitation resulting from child marriage as “child abuse,” prescribing penalties of five to seven years in prison and a minimum fine of Rs1 million.
In addition, the bill incorporates provisions addressing child trafficking linked to marriage and imposes legal responsibility on guardians and other facilitators. Individuals who promote, permit, or fail to prevent child marriages may face imprisonment between two to three years, along with fines reaching Rs500,000.
All offences under the proposed law are classified as cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. Jurisdiction is vested exclusively in Courts of Session, with a requirement that trials be concluded within 90 days.
Political opposition and constitutional concerns
Despite broad support within the committee, the bill has faced opposition from some members, including committee chairperson Pir Ashraf Rasool and MPA Zulfiqar Shah. Rasool formally submitted his reservations in a three-page document, while Shah argued that the legislation may conflict with constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of religion.
Shah contended that under Islamic jurisprudence, marriage is permissible upon attaining puberty, and therefore, the law should incorporate certain exceptions. He emphasized that socio-economic realities, particularly poverty, often compel families to arrange early marriages for their daughters as a means of ensuring financial security and safety.
However, other committee members strongly opposed the inclusion of exceptions, warning that such provisions could be misused and undermine the intent of the legislation. Shah has indicated that he intends to introduce amendments when the bill is presented before the Punjab Assembly.
Expert concerns over legal gaps
While the bill has been welcomed as a progressive measure, legal experts have pointed out several shortcomings that, they argue, require further refinement.
Child rights expert Advocate Ahmer Majeed, speaking to Voicepk, highlighted the absence of a clear and robust mechanism for age verification. He noted that the bill does not mandate the use of national identity cards as definitive proof of age, instead allowing reliance on various official documents such as school certificates, which he warned could be easily falsified.
Majeed also raised concerns over the bill’s failure to clarify the legal status of marriages conducted in violation of its provisions. “While the law prescribes punishments for those facilitating child marriages, it does not specify whether such marriages would be deemed void or remain legally valid,” he said, describing it as a critical legal ambiguity.
He further pointed to the absence of an “overriding effect” clause, which would ensure that the provisions of this law take precedence over conflicting legislation. Additionally, he questioned the decision to vest trial jurisdiction in Sessions Courts rather than Family Courts, which traditionally adjudicate matrimonial disputes. The lack of a clearly defined right to appeal was also identified as a significant omission.
Civil Society Welcomes the Move
Child rights activist Iftikhar Mubarak, speaking to Voicepk, termed the bill a highly positive development, noting that similar legal measures have already been implemented in Sindh, Balochistan, and Islamabad.
He said that the legislation had long been a key demand of civil society and appreciated the strength of the penalties included in the bill. “This is an important step toward the protection of children,” he said.
However, he emphasized that the real challenge lies ahead. “The actual task will be to ensure effective implementation of the law once it is passed,” he added.
Government praised for legislative initiative
In contrast, Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), described the bill as a major legislative milestone. Having participated in the committee proceedings as an expert, Abbas told Voicepk that approximately 90 percent of members supported the bill.
He noted that even those who initially opposed the legislation appeared receptive to its core objective of protecting children’s rights and were in favor of further deliberations. Abbas termed the initiative a significant achievement for the provincial government, emphasizing that it was introduced without external pressure.
He expressed confidence that the bill would soon secure approval from the Punjab Assembly and be enacted into law.