Child marriage is now a criminal, non-bailable offense in Punjab

LAHORE: Punjab has introduced a stringent new ordinance banning child marriages, following a broader national push to protect minors from underage unions. The Child Marriage Ordinance 2026, approved by the Governor of Punjab, makes it mandatory for both brides and grooms to be at least 18 years old.

Violations carry severe penalties: individuals conducting child marriages face one year in prison and a fine of Rs 100,000, while those marrying children can be punished with three years in prison and a fine of Rs 500,000.

Marriages involving children under 18 may result in seven years’ imprisonment, with the same penalty for taking minors to other provinces for marriage. Guardians attempting such arrangements may face two years in prison. Marriage registrars, parents, and officials are also held accountable under the law, which updates the Child Marriage Act of 1929, and awaits final approval in the next Punjab Assembly session.

The move in Punjab comes shortly after the National Assembly of Pakistan passed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2024, which criminalises marriages of anyone under 18 in the federal capital. The bill requires nikah registrars to verify ages using computerized national ID cards, with penalties of up to one year in prison or a fine of Rs 100,000 for noncompliance.

Men above 18 marrying underage girls face two to three years of rigorous imprisonment and fines, and any sexual activity within such unions is treated as statutory rape. Those who arrange, coerce, or facilitate underage marriages face five to seven years in prison and fines up to Rs 1 million, while parents or guardians involved may be sentenced to up to three years’ rigorous imprisonment.

The law also criminalises forcing children to leave their area for marriage, classifying it as child trafficking. Courts are empowered to issue restraining orders and must resolve such cases within 90 days.

The Islamabad legislation, moved by MNA Sharmila Faruqui, is now in effect in the federal capital, signaling a growing commitment by both provincial and federal authorities to eliminate child marriage in Pakistan. Together, these laws mark a significant step toward protecting minors and holding parents, guardians, and officials accountable for underage unions.