Punjab amends child marriage law

New amendment draws mixed reaction

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab government has amended the Child Marriage Ordinance 2026, under which no marriage of a boy or girl under the age of 18 can be solemnised after February 11, 2026.

Neither parents nor guardians will be allowed to conduct such marriages.

Marriage under 18 has been declared illegal and a cognizable offence.

Strict action will be taken against the Nikah registrar and family members involved, including registration of criminal cases.

Both the Nikah registrar and the family of the parties may face separate fines of Rs0.5m and imprisonment ranging from two to three years. The registrar's licence will also be cancelled. Such cases will be tried by additional district and sessions judges and will be non-bailable. After issuance, the new ordinance was circulated to regional police officers, city police officers and DPOs across the province, directing all police stations to register cases under the new law. Copies have also been sent to the subordinate judiciary.

District Bar Association President Tariq Mahmood Sajid Awan termed the law appropriate, stating it would curb the trend of elopements and marriages following friendships formed through social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.

However, Idara Taleemat-e-Islamia head Allama Riaz Hussain Shah declared the law contrary to Islamic teachings. Senior criminal lawyer Sibtain Bukhari Advocate criticised the move, saying lawmakers should look at the Seerat of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He announced that the law would be challenged in the Shariat Court.