KP bill seeks to codify Kalash people family, inheritance laws

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to introduce legislation to provide legal protection to the ancient culture and religious traditions of the Kalash people, with a draft “Kalash Marriage Act” now prepared, officials said.

The Kalash Valley, home to a unique and centuries-old civilisation, is set to see formal legal recognition of matters such as marriage, divorce and inheritance under the proposed law.

The draft bill has been presented in the provincial assembly for legislation.

Under the proposed law, the minimum age for marriage in the Kalash community will be 18 years, and all marriages will be required to be registered with the relevant village or neighbourhood council.

The bill also lays down procedures for divorce and separation.

A wife would have the right to approach a court on grounds including abuse, non-payment of maintenance or the husband’s disappearance.

In line with Kalash traditions, the draft legislation outlines provisions related to marriage practices, inheritance, widows’ rights and penalties.

Violations of the legal age or consent requirements for marriage could result in imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to Rs50,000.

Falsification or misrepresentation in marriage registration could lead to fines of up to Rs100,000, according to the draft.

The proposed law would also grant legal protection to marriages conducted before its enactment, the document said.