DASKA: Police in a suburban village near Daska arrested a 50-year-old man on Thursday for allegedly forcing a 12-year-old girl into marriage and registered a case against him under the Child Marriage Act.
According to police officials, the accused, identified as Afzal Malang, violated recently strengthened child marriage laws by marrying an underage girl in the village of Tooti Chak. Authorities stated that the incident shocked local residents and triggered widespread concern within the community.
Police further confirmed that they had initiated legal proceedings against the suspect and vowed to ensure strict action. Officials emphasized that exploitation and forced marriages involving minor girls would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Punjab Strengthened Child Marriage Laws Recently
The arrest comes shortly after the Punjab Assembly passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 on April 27.
Under the new legislation, authorities fixed 18 years as the minimum legal marriage age for both men and women in Punjab. In addition, the law classified underage marriage as a non-bailable offence.
Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman presented the bill before the provincial assembly earlier this year.
Previously, Punjab law allowed women to marry at 16 years while setting 18 years as the legal age for men under the older 1929 legislation.
Authorities Vow Strict Enforcement
Meanwhile, Punjab Governor Saleem Haider had already enforced the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 through an ordinance in February before lawmakers formally approved it.
Officials explained that the ordinance required assembly approval before its expiry in May, prompting legislators to pass the bill permanently.
Police officials stated that authorities would continue monitoring such cases closely and take immediate legal action against anyone violating child protection laws across Punjab.
