Pakistan outlaws child marriage in capital, allowed elsewhere; 'un-Islamic' decision, say clerics

The Pakistani National Assembly has passed a landmark bill banning child marriages, but the provisions only apply to residents of the capital city of Islamabad, with observers within the country calling it an “important step forward” as the practice continues elsewhere in Pakistan.

Both houses of the assembly passed the bill unanimously last week and will be sent to the president in the coming days. Activists hope that the passing of the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025 will motivate other regions of Pakistan to follow suit.

Sherry Rehman, the former Minister of Climate Change, said, “This bill sends a powerful message. It’s a very important signal to the country, to our development partners, and to women that their rights are protected at the top.”

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According to a report by Dawn, the bill said, “In this modern day and age, we have the resources and the research which invariably proves that child marriage is harmful to both genders and especially girls who have hit puberty and are able to bear children. Furthermore, child marriages are in complete violation of the rights of children and international obligations and goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals focuses on gender equality and includes a target to end child marriage by 2030.”

How does the bill outlaw child marriages?

The new legislation sets the minimum marriage age at 18 for both males and females in the capital, making underage marriage a criminal offence. Earlier, the legal age was 16 for girls and 18 for boys.

Non-compliant may face strict punishments, including a jail term and hefty fines up to Rs100,000, unless the party can prove that the union is not a child marriage.

“Whoever, being a male above eighteen years of age, contracts a child marriage shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to three years but shall not be less than two years and shall be liable to fine,” the bill added.

Meanwhile, any sexual act involving a minor within a marriage will be considered statutory rape as per the new legislation.

‘Landmark advancement in safeguarding children’s rights’

The United Nations has commended the passage of the bill, saying, “This significant legislation, tabled in the National Assembly by MNA Dr. Sharmila Faruqui establishes 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage for girls. It marks a landmark advancement in safeguarding children’s rights and promoting gender equality in Pakistan.”

It added, “The bill’s passage shows Pakistan’s dedication to ending child marriage and protecting girls’ health, education, and future. We commend Dr. Sharmila Faruqui, Senator Sherry Rehman, and all supportive lawmakers for ensuring a safer, just future for the country’s children.”

On the other hand, religious and political leaders have threatened to protest against the bill, claiming it is “unIslamic,” asserting that marriage should be a family decision and that a girl’s age for marriage should be marked by puberty.