The National Assembly on Friday passed a bill banning child marriages in Islamabad with a majority vote. The legislation, introduced by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader Sharmila Faruqui, criminalizes any marriage involving individuals under 18 years of age, regardless of gender.
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The bill highlights scientific and social research confirming that child marriage harms both boys and girls and violates their fundamental rights. Under the new law, Nikah registrars are legally required to refuse registration of marriages involving minors. Those who register or conduct such marriages without proper documentation face penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of Rs100,000, or both.
This legislation aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate child marriage by 2030, and is intended to strengthen protections for children’s rights.
