Lahore: The Punjab government has decided to criminalise marriages involving anyone under 18 years of age through a proposed Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance, officials said. Authorities will present the draft law in the upcoming session of the Punjab Assembly.
Strict penalties proposed for offenders and facilitators
According to the draft, any adult aged 18 or above who marries a minor will face at least two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs500,000. In addition, the ordinance targets facilitators of child marriages. Parents or guardians who arrange or assist in such unions could face two to three years in prison.
Furthermore, the proposed law introduces stringent punishment for cohabitation with a minor after marriage. It classifies such a relationship as child abuse, carrying a sentence of five to seven years’ imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs1 million.
The ordinance also outlines a swift judicial process. It directs sessions courts to try all cases registered under the law and requires them to conclude trials and announce verdicts within 90 days.
Alignment with existing federal, Sindh laws
Meanwhile, similar legislation already exists at the federal level and in Sindh. In May last year, Parliament passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, setting the minimum marriage age at 18. Under that law, a man above 18 who marries an underage girl may face up to three years of rigorous imprisonment.
Moreover, the law prohibits nikah registrars from solemnising marriages if either party is under 18. Violators may face up to one year in prison and a Rs100,000 fine. Courts can also intervene to stop underage marriages and must ensure confidentiality and protection for informants.
