The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has approved the Kalash Marriage Bill, 2026, providing a formal legal framework for the solemnisation and registration of marriages within the province’s Kalash community.
The legislation requires marriage to be based on the free and mutual consent of both parties.
Under the bill, both individuals must be mentally capable of consenting to marriage and at least 18 years old. Marriages involving relationships prohibited under the law will not be permitted.
The legislation also bars marriages between first cousins within the Kalash community.
Registration of every Kalash marriage will be mandatory through a designated local registrar. The measure is intended to give legal recognition to marriages conducted according to Kalash customs and address difficulties arising from the absence of formal documentation.
The law applies to members of the Kalash faith and establishes rules for the solemnisation and registration of their marriages while recognising relevant community traditions.
According to the bill, inheritance and property rights following the death of a husband will be determined in accordance with the traditional Kalash system, subject to the provisions of the law.
The legislation also provides penalties and fines for violations, supplying false information and failing to register a marriage.
The bill was originally introduced in the provincial assembly in April and referred to the relevant committee for detailed consideration and consultation before its final passage.
The new law is expected to provide legal protection to Kalash families by formally recognising their marriages and creating an official record for matters involving family status, inheritance and other legal rights.
Reporter: Malik Rahman