President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill into law, setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 years. This landmark legislation aims to curb child marriages and protect the rights of women and children.
According to the law, no Nikah khawan (marriage officiant) can solemnize a marriage where either the bride or groom is under 18. Nikah khawans violating this law face up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs 100,000. An adult man marrying a minor girl can be sentenced to up to three years of rigorous imprisonment.
The law also empowers courts to intervene to prevent underage marriages if they become aware of them and provide protection to those reporting such cases. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman hailed the bill’s signing as a “landmark moment” in the fight against underage marriage, emphasizing its importance in ensuring girls’ rights to education, health, and a dignified life.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) criticized the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) for opposing the bill, calling it a vital child protection legislation. The law’s implementation and its impact on reducing child marriages remain to be seen. Other provinces are urged to follow suit and enact similar legislation to effectively curb child marriages nationwide.
