The man involved can face rigorous imprisonment
On May 16, 2025, the National Assembly passed a bill banning child marriage within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
The legislation sets the legal marriage age at 18, making any union involving individuals younger than that a crime.
The bill applies to everyone involved in the process, including parents, guardians, religious clerics, and marriage registrars.
Anyone found registering a marriage involving minors will now face serious legal consequences.
Under the new law, nikah registrars are required to verify the national identity cards (CNICs) of both individuals before proceeding.
Failure to do so could lead to up to one year in jail, a fine of Rs. 100,000, or both.
This step ensures that no marriage involving minors can legally be conducted under the radar.
If a girl under the age of 18 is married to an adult male, the act will be treated as a criminal offence.
The man involved can face rigorous imprisonment ranging from two to three years, along with a substantial fine.
This specific clause directly targets the widespread abuse of underage girls in forced or coerced marriages.
The legislation further establishes that any sexual act within such a marriage, regardless of consent, will be categorised as statutory rape.
This is a significant provision aimed at preventing abuse that is often legitimised under the guise of marital relations.
Individuals who force, lure, or manipulate minors into marriage will also be prosecuted for sexual assault.
This includes cases where emotional pressure or economic coercion is used.
The penalties for facilitating child marriage have also been toughened.
Anyone enabling such a marriage can now face five to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs. 1 million.
Additionally, the law criminalises acts like employing, housing, or taking custody of a child with the intent to enable a marriage.
Such actions can now result in three years of imprisonment and financial penalties.
This clause aims to crack down on middlemen and family members who often aid in organising child marriages.
The bill marks a turning point in child protection laws within the federal capital.
It sends a clear message that the state will no longer tolerate underage marriages in any form.
Human rights activists have welcomed the law, calling it a long-overdue measure that prioritises children’s safety and dignity over outdated customs.
By codifying these protections, the law also hopes to influence other provinces to adopt similar reforms.
While child marriage remains legal in some parts of Pakistan, this bill sets a precedent for nationwide change.
Loading ...