WEBDESK: In a major step to protect children’s rights in Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari has, on Friday, signed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025, into law. This new law officially sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 years for both boys and girls.
The Child Marriage Restraint Bill aims to stop underage marriages by making it illegal for marriage registrars, also known as Nikah Khuwans, to perform or register a marriage where either person is below 18 years old.
According to the law, violators can face up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs. 100,000. In cases where an adult man marries an underage girl, he could face up to three years of rigorous imprisonment.
The new bill also gives power to the courts to stop any underage marriage if they receive information beforehand. Whistleblowers who report such cases will have their identities kept secret to ensure their protection.
The Child Marriage Restraint Bill was passed despite opposition from the Council of Islamic Ideology, which had called it “un-Islamic.” However, the government moved forward, showing its strong commitment to children’s welfare and rights.
The child marriage restraint bill was first introduced by PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqui in the National Assembly and later tabled in the Senate by Senator Sherry Rehman.
Pakistan currently ranks sixth in the world for the highest number of child brides, with around 19 million girls married before turning 18. Supporters of the new law hope it will help reduce this number and protect more girls from early and forced marriages.
Human rights groups and child protection advocates have welcomed the bill, saying it is a much-needed move to align Pakistan’s laws with international standards and create a safer future for its youth.
