The Punjab cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, recently approved the ‘Punjab Anand Karaj Marriage Registrar Rules 2024’ aimed at regularizing Sikh marriages within the province. This decision marks a significant milestone, as Punjab becomes the first province worldwide to implement the Sikh Marriage Act.
The approval follows the Punjab Assembly’s adoption of a bill six years ago in 2018, which garnered majority support to formalize Sikh marriages. Prior to this, Sikh couples had to register their marriages in India under the Hindu Marriage Act due to the absence of specific provisions in Pakistan.
Ramesh Singh Arora, the Provincial Minister for Minorities, lauded the development, emphasizing its importance for the Sikh community. The implementation of the Sikh Marriage Act now allows Sikh couples in Punjab to register their marriages directly with the provincial government, rather than relying solely on records maintained within Gurdwaras.
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Additionally, the Punjab government is also contemplating the introduction of the Hindu Marriage Act, reflecting a broader commitment to recognizing and formalizing diverse religious communities’ marital practices within the province.
This move by the Punjab cabinet underscores efforts towards inclusivity and legal recognition for minority communities, aiming to streamline and safeguard their rights regarding marital unions within Pakistan.
