LAHORE: In a landmark move to combat child marriage, the Standing Committee on Local Government of the Punjab Assembly has approved the Punjab Child Marriage Ordinance 2026, formally raising the minimum legal age for marriage in the province to 18 years for both brides and grooms. The decision, which follows approval from Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, represents one of the most significant child protection reforms in recent provincial history and aligns with international human rights standards.
The committee meeting, chaired by Pir Ashraf Rasool, heard that the ordinance imposes a complete ban on marriage for individuals under 18 and declares child marriage a punishable offense under criminal law. The legislation introduces stringent penalties for various parties involved in underage marriages, creating a comprehensive legal framework to deter the practice that has persisted despite previous regulations.
Under the new provisions, marriage registrars or officiants who register an underage marriage face a minimum of one year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 100,000. Individuals who marry a minor face three years imprisonment and a Rs 500,000 fine. Most notably, marriage involving a person under 18 will be treated as rape, punishable by seven years imprisonment and a Rs 1,000,000 fine—a provision that significantly raises the legal stakes for such unions.
The ordinance also addresses potential evasion tactics, stipulating that taking a child outside Punjab to another province for marriage carries the same seven-year imprisonment and Rs 1,000,000 fine. Guardians or individuals assisting in child marriage face two years imprisonment and Rs 500,000 fines, while marriage registrars and parents may face legal action for negligence. These measures reflect growing concern about child marriage’s detrimental effects on health, education, and development.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including Child Protection Bureau Chairperson Sara Ahmed, PML-N Chief Whip Rana Arshad, and several assembly members, with Secretary Local Government Shakeel Mian and other officials present. A large number of female assembly members attended as observers, highlighting the gender dimensions of the issue. The legislation now moves to the full Punjab Assembly for final approval before becoming formal law.
This development follows years of advocacy by child rights organizations and aligns with broader efforts across South Asia to address early marriage. While Pakistan’s federal law previously set the minimum age at 16 for girls and 18 for boys, provincial variations and enforcement gaps have persisted. The Punjab ordinance represents a harmonization and strengthening of these standards, potentially influencing other provinces to follow suit. According to UNICEF data, Pakistan has one of the world’s highest numbers of child brides, with profound implications for maternal health and gender equality.
The ordinance’s passage through committee signals strong political will to address this deeply entrenched social issue. As noted by international observers, effective implementation will require coordinated efforts across law enforcement, judiciary, and community awareness programs. The substantial penalties aim to create meaningful deterrence while protecting vulnerable children from early marriage’s lifelong consequences.
Source: ARY News