In a significant step toward protecting children’s rights, the Senate has passed a landmark bill prohibiting the marriage of individuals under 18 years of age within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The legislation introduces strict penalties for violators, including prison sentences and fines.
The bill, introduced by Senator Sherry Rehman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), was tabled during a charged Senate session presided over by Acting Chairman Syedaal Khan. Rehman emphasized the urgency of such a law, noting the alarming rates of maternal mortality among underage girls. “Girls as young as 16 are becoming mothers, and many lose their lives during childbirth,” she said. She also recalled that the Senate had unanimously passed similar bills in 2013 and 2019.
After the bill’s approval, Rehman celebrated the development on social media platform X, calling it a “landmark day for the Senate.” She credited PPP and lawmakers from all parties—both allies and opposition—for their support. She also acknowledged Senator Sehar Kamran for previously tabling similar legislation and Sharmila Faruqi for moving the current bill through the National Assembly.
The law defines a child as any individual under 18, regardless of gender. It mandates that no marriage can be solemnized by a registrar if either party is underage. Registrars are required to verify the ages of both individuals using NADRA-issued CNICs. Failure to comply may result in up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs100,000.
Men over 18 who marry underage girls face up to three years of rigorous imprisonment. The bill further clarifies that cohabiting with a child in a marital relationship constitutes statutory rape. Forced child marriages may lead to prison terms of up to seven years and fines reaching Rs1 million.
The legislation also targets those who aid or facilitate child marriages—including traffickers, witnesses, and even parents—with punishments of up to three years in jail and accompanying fines.
Courts have been empowered to halt a child marriage if informed in time. Whistleblowers are granted protection, and the bill stipulates that cases must be resolved within 90 days. Additionally, those accused under the law are not eligible for bail.
