Authorities in former FR Peshawar have introduced strict new rules to prevent underage marriages and improve the registration process for all marriages in the region. The local government aims to strengthen oversight and protect minors from illegal unions.
The assistant director of the local government has instructed all council secretaries to verify the age of every marriage applicant before processing requests. Officials are now required to check NADRA forms, school certificates, or birth certificates to ensure no underage marriages are approved.
The new directives also cover previously dissolved marriages. Registrars must verify divorce certificates and khula orders, while widows must submit the husband’s death certificate before remarriage. Second marriages now require approval from the competent authority to ensure compliance with the law.
To enhance transparency, authorities have mandated that all marriages be recorded in the council’s official register and uploaded immediately to the MIS system. Delays in updating marriage records are strictly prohibited, ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
Village secretaries have been directed to brief chairmen, councillors, and marriage registrars on the new procedures. The goal is to ensure consistent enforcement of rules at every administrative level.
Officials say these measures are designed to close loopholes, improve governance, and prevent exploitation of minors. By enforcing proper documentation and strict verification, the government aims to stop illegal underage marriages and protect children’s rights.
Experts believe these reforms will not only safeguard minors but also strengthen the integrity of the marriage registration system in Peshawar. Observers hope that the new rules will serve as a model for other regions to combat underage marriages effectively.
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The initiative highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to child protection, legal compliance, and transparent administrative procedures, ensuring safer communities across the region.
