No more child brides: Pakistan outlaws underage marriages in groundbreaking law
In a historic move, the National Assembly on Friday passed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2024, effectively criminalizing child marriage in the federal capital. The new law declares any marriage involving individuals under 18 years of age illegal — whether solemnized or registered — and introduces tough penalties for violators.
Nikah registrars are now legally obligated to verify the age of both parties using their Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) before registering a marriage. Failing to do so could land them in jail for up to a year, with fines of Rs100,000 — or both.
The legislation makes it crystal clear: marrying a girl under 18, even with her consent, is now a crime. Adult men who do so face rigorous imprisonment of two to three years and a monetary penalty.
But the bill doesn’t stop there.
Any sexual activity following an underage marriage will be treated as statutory rape, and anyone who facilitates, forces, or entices a minor into marriage will face similar charges.
Arranging a child marriage — for either boys or girls — now carries five to seven years in prison and fines up to Rs1 million. Those who employ, shelter, or assume custody of a child for marriage purposes could be jailed for three years and fined.
Parents or guardians promoting such marriages will also be held accountable, facing up to three years of rigorous imprisonment and financial penalties.
Even taking a child away from their home for the purpose of nikah will now be considered child trafficking, with penalties ranging from five to seven years behind bars and substantial fines.
Courts have been empowered to issue restraining orders to block such marriages and are required to resolve all underage marriage cases within 90 days.
The bill, introduced by MNA Sharmila Faruqui, takes immediate effect in Islamabad — marking a major step forward in the fight against child exploitation and forced marriage in Pakistan.