The Punjab Government is set to introduce a new ordinance aimed at criminalizing child marriage across the province. The proposed Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance will be presented in the next session of the Punjab Assembly.
Under the draft law, anyone aged 18 or older who marries a minor could face a minimum of two years in prison and a fine of up to Rs. 500,000. Parents, guardians, or anyone who facilitates such marriages may also face prison terms of two to three years.
The ordinance includes a key provision stating that cohabitation or a conjugal relationship with a minor following such a marriage will be treated as child abuse. Convicted individuals may face five to seven years in prison along with a minimum fine of Rs. 1 million.
All cases under this ordinance will be tried in sessions courts, which must complete trials and deliver verdicts within 90 days. Similar legislation is already enforced at the federal level and in Sindh.
In May last year, the federal Parliament passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, setting the legal age of marriage at 18. Under that law, men over 18 marrying underage girls may face up to three years of rigorous imprisonment.
The Punjab Government will also regulate nikah registrars. Registrars cannot solemnize a marriage if either party is under 18. Violators may face up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs. 100,000. Courts may also issue orders to stop underage marriages once discovered.
The ordinance allows individuals to report cases of child marriage confidentially. The courts are required to ensure the protection of whistleblowers who report such incidents.
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Officials say the new law reflects the Punjab Government’s commitment to protecting minors. The initiative aims to curb child marriage and ensure the safety and rights of children across the province.
