October 01, 2026
By Aitzaz Ibrahim
The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minority Affairs unanimously approved the Christian Marriage Bill 2026 on Wednesday, proposing a minimum marriage age of 18 for both Christian men and women.
Introduced by MPA Falbous Christopher, the bill seeks to modernise the colonial-era Christian marriage law of 1872. It includes safeguards against forced marriages, mandatory marriage registration and a requirement for at least two witnesses at wedding ceremonies.
The proposed law allows authorised Christian ministers and Marriage Registrars to conduct marriages. Couples must provide their details before marriage and can approach a civil court if a Marriage Registrar refuses to issue the required certificate.
However, human rights activists have raised concerns over the exclusion of divorce reforms, particularly those affecting women’s rights. A minority rights representative has also called for Christian marriage laws to remain under a uniform federal framework.
The bill must still be passed by the Punjab Assembly before becoming law.
Human Rights Activists and Minority Representatives Respond to the Bill
Nabila Feroz Bhatti, human rights activist, welcomed the proposed minimum marriage age but raised concerns about the absence of divorce reforms.
“I welcome Punjab Christian Marriage Bill 2026, especially to set the age for marriage as 18 years for both parties which is according to our national and international law,” she said. “However, Christian religious leadership is not getting a consensus on divorce. According to sources it is avoided this time again. There is dire need of bringing law on divorce too.
The biggest cause of disagreement is the grounds for divorce. As a stakeholder, a Christian woman, I support Section 7 of the Christian Divorce Act, 1869, which allows Christian couples to seek a divorce on ordinary grounds without being forced to falsely allege adultery against their spouses. This provision was unconstitutionally omitted through a Zia-era ordinance in 1981. However, in 2017, then Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, restored it. This perspective should be incorporated into any new personal law for the Christian community.
Divorce proceedings are taking place frequently within the Christian community on false allegations of adultery, and women are suffering badly as a result. Making false allegations of adultery against Christian women does not serve the values of Christianity, and Christian leaders need to seriously reflect on this issue. Can we, as a community, put an end to this practice?”
Michelle Chaudhry, President of The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF), called for comprehensive reforms rather than changes limited to marriage procedures.
“Though the intent to amend the Christian Personal Laws may be positive, the mover appears either to be unaware of the sensitivities involved in matters concerning Christian Family Laws or to be deliberately limiting the proposed amendments to the issue of marriage.
The legislation should be comprehensive and address other important aspects, particularly provisions relating to annulment and divorce.
Amending only specific provisions concerning marriage does not provide a comprehensive solution to the issues faced by Christian families.
To address underlying concerns, including faith conversion, marital rights, and the dignity and rights of individuals, particularly women, in line with principles of gender equality and women’s rights, a more comprehensive review and reform of the Christian Family Laws is necessary.”
Samuel Payara, Chairman, Implementation Minority Rights Forum, expressed concern about introducing provincial legislation governing Christian marriages and called for a uniform national legal framework.
“The Christian Marriage Act is a federal legislation and should continue to provide a clear and uniform legal framework for Christian marriages throughout Pakistan. The Christian churches across Pakistan, particularly the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Pakistan, have already submitted their recommendations on the proposed Bill.
We believe that the Act should remain federal in character. If there are any concerns, shortcomings, or areas requiring improvement, these should be addressed through appropriate amendments within the federal Act itself”
What Does the Christian Marriage Bill 2026 Propose?
Minimum Marriage Age of 18 Years
Both Christian men and women must be at least 18 years old to marry. Marriages that do not meet this requirement would be legally invalid.
Protection Against Forced Marriages
Marriage must take place with the free consent of both partners. At least one person must formally declare that neither partner has been forced or pressured into marriage.
Who Can Conduct Marriages?
Authorised Christian pastors, church ministers and government-appointed Marriage Registrars can conduct marriages under the proposed law.
Marriage According to Church Traditions
Christian ministers can conduct wedding ceremonies at places permitted by their respective churches and according to their religious traditions.
Marriage Notice Before Wedding
Couples must provide their basic details before marriage. For weddings conducted by licensed ministers, the marriage must also be announced in church for three consecutive weeks.
Marriage Certificate Validity
For marriages conducted by licensed Christian ministers, the wedding must take place within three months after the certificate is issued. Otherwise, a fresh notice and certificate are required.
Two Witnesses Required
At least two witnesses must be present during the wedding ceremony and sign the marriage record.
Marriage Registration
Christian marriages must be officially registered. Marriage certificates and records must be submitted to the relevant government offices.
Right to Approach Court
If a Marriage Registrar refuses to issue a marriage certificate, either person intending to marry can approach a civil court.