The Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minority Affairs has approved the Christian Marriage Bill 2026. The committee approved the proposed legislation unanimously.
The Christian Marriage Bill seeks to increase the minimum legal marriage age for Christian men and women. Under the proposal, both would need to be at least 18 years old.
The proposed law also introduces mandatory registration for Christian marriages. Marriages would need to be registered with NADRA and the relevant union councils.
The committee meeting was chaired by MPA Raheela Khadam Hussain. Falbous Christopher presented the proposed legislation before the committee.
The bill seeks to repeal and replace the Christian Marriage Act of 1872. The existing law sets different minimum marriage ages for males and females.
Under the current framework, the minimum age is 16 for males. For females, the minimum age is 13.
Christopher said the proposed age of 18 would strengthen protection against child marriage. He also said it would support the principle of free consent.
The proposed framework includes specific conditions for Christian marriages. Both people entering the marriage must belong to the Christian faith.
The bill also sets requirements for people who can solemnize Christian marriages. Ordained pastors with proper religious qualifications would be authorized to perform ceremonies.
However, the pastors must belong to churches registered with the Punjab government. Government-appointed marriage registrars would also be allowed to solemnize marriages.
The legislation introduces additional procedural requirements for marriages. These include prior written notice and a public announcement.
At least two witnesses would also need to be present during the marriage ceremony. These requirements are intended to establish a clearer official process.
The proposed legislation would also change existing restrictions on marriage ceremonies. It would remove restrictions linked to specific days or times.
Marriage records would have to be maintained using standardized registers. Prescribed official forms would also be used for maintaining the records.
The Christian Marriage Bill is intended to modernize personal law for the Christian community. It also aims to consolidate and clarify existing legal provisions.
Christopher said the proposed framework would focus on individual rights and consent. The bill also seeks to establish clearer procedures for marriage registration.
The committee’s approval is the latest step in the legislative process. The proposal will now be presented before the full Punjab Assembly.
The Punjab Assembly will consider the bill before any final enactment. Further legislative proceedings will determine whether the proposed changes become law.
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If enacted, the legislation would introduce a uniform minimum marriage age of 18. It would also establish new registration and procedural requirements for Christian marriages in Punjab.
