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Legislation prohibiting underage marriages officially approved in Pakistan

In the discussion, an attorney of Christian faith notes that a new law limited to Islamabad may serve as a precursor for a similar law in Punjab province, where Christian girls are often the primary victims.

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"A Christian lawyer commented that although the law is limited to Islamabad, it may set a precedent...
"A Christian lawyer commented that although the law is limited to Islamabad, it may set a precedent for a similar law in Punjab province, where Christian girls are particularly vulnerable."

Legislation prohibiting underage marriages officially approved in Pakistan

Breaking Down Barriers: Pakistan's New Law Against Child Marriage

A significant stride for women's and children's rights was made in Pakistan last Thursday, as President Asif Ali Zardari signed into law a bill aimed at curbing child marriages. This new legislation, known as the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025, sets the minimum age for marriage for both genders at 18 years in Islamabad [3,4,5].

The announcement was met with criticism from Islamist groups, including the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), which expressed concerns that the bill went against Islamic law by classifying marriages under the age of 18 as rape [1,3,5]. However, the new law is clear on this matter, defining a child as anyone under the age of 18 of either sex. No marriage registrar is allowed to solemnize a marriage if either party is under 18 [1].

Registrars are also required to confirm the age of both parties using their Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC). Those who violate the law could face up to a year in jail and a heavy fine [1]. Men over 18 marrying underage girls could face up to three years of rigorous imprisonment, and living with a child under 18 in a marital relationship is considered statutory rape [1].

Senator Sherry Rehman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), who introduced the bill in the Senate, described it as a crucial step towards protecting children and women's rights. She praised President Zardari for his brave decision to push the bill forward, despite facing pressure from Islamist groups. Rehman emphasized that the law would greatly help improve the education and health of young girls [5].

However, the CII expressed concern over the new law, arguing that it went against traditional Islamic teachings allowing girls to marry once they reach puberty. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) countered this argument, asserting that the state should legislate in the best interest of children, particularly to prevent early marriages, which have been linked to serious health risks, denial of education, and systemic gender inequality [2].

It's important to note that the legislation only applies to the Islamabad Capital Territory, and similar protections are yet to be extended to the rest of the country. However, there's hope that the progress made in Islamabad will pave the way for similar legislation across other provinces.

Pakistan ranks eighth on Open Doors' 2025 World Watch List, making it one of the most difficult places for Christians to live [6]. This new law provides an important step in protecting underage minority girls, who may otherwise face forced conversions and marriages to their abductors. Organizations such as the Christian legal aid group London-based CARAS, which has successfully defended Christian girls against abduction and forced marriage, are optimistic that the new law will make it more difficult for perpetrators to justify their actions.

Sources:[1] Morning Star News[2] Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)[3] Dawn News[4] Associated Press[5] Senator Sherry Rehman's Twitter Post[6] Open Doors 2025 World Watch List

Significance of the Bill:

The new law in Islamabad has introduced harsher penalties for those involved in child marriages, including up to seven years in prison for those facilitating such marriages [1]. It also addresses issues like statutory rape and provides protection for whistleblowers [1]. Despite the controversy surrounding the legislation, it represents a significant step towards protecting children and enforcing minimum age requirements for marriage.

  1. This new legislation in Pakistan's Islamabad Capital Territory, titled the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025, extends to health-and-wellness by setting a minimum marriage age at 18 years for both genders, aiming to reduce the health risks associated with early marriages.
  2. The policy-and-legislation surrounding womens-health in Pakistan has received attention recently, as the newly passed law against child marriage includes provisions on statutory rape and protection for whistleblowers.
  3. In the realm of general-news, the signing of the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025, into law by President Asif Ali Zardari has brought about important changes in the field of science, particularly concerning the effects of child marriage on the health-and-wellness and women's-health of young girls.

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