LAHORE (April 13, 2026) — In a landmark move for child protection, a Punjab Assembly committee has approved the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026. This new legislation aims to end gender discrimination in marriage laws by making 18 the minimum legal age for both males and females across the province.
At a Glance: What Changes Under the New Bill?
- The Age Limit: The legal marriage age for women is raised from 16 to 18 years, matching the requirement for men.
- Strict Penalties: Adults who marry a child can face up to 3 years in prison and a Rs 500,000 fine.
- Registrar Accountability: Nikah Khawans (marriage registrars) who register underage marriages face a year of jail time.
- Abuse Clause: Living together as a result of child marriage is now legally classified as “child abuse,” carrying a sentence of up to 7 years.
Previously, the minimum legal age for marriage in Punjab was 18 years for men and 16 years for women under the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929.https://t.co/Wyxeyd5N8I
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) April 13, 2026
Why Is This Happening Now?
Previously, the law allowed girls to marry at 16. In February, the Punjab Governor issued an emergency order (ordinance) to raise the age to 18, but that order is set to expire in May. To keep the law alive, the Punjab Assembly must formally pass this bill.
The committee noted that the primary goals are to protect children’s health and education, remove gender bias, and align Punjab’s laws with modern child protection standards.
Debate and Disagreement
The bill was not approved without a fight. The committee’s chairperson, Pir Ashraf Rasool, and member Zulfiqar Shah raised concerns. They argued that the law might conflict with certain religious interpretations where marriage is linked to puberty rather than a specific age.
Shah also pointed out that some poor families marry their daughters early due to financial struggles or safety concerns. However, other members of the committee strongly disagreed, stating that allowing “exceptions” would only create loopholes for people to continue breaking the law.
Swift Justice
To ensure the law is actually followed, the bill introduces several tough measures:
- No Bail: Crimes under this act are “non-bailable,” meaning suspects cannot simply pay to stay out of jail while waiting for trial.
- Fast-Track Trials: Courts are required to finish these cases within 90 days to ensure quick justice.
- Guardian Responsibility: Parents or guardians who allow a child marriage to happen—or fail to stop it—can also be sent to prison for up to three years.
The bill now moves to the full Punjab Assembly for a final vote. If passed, it will mark one of the most significant shifts in Pakistan’s social and legal landscape in recent years.
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