President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday signed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025 into law, setting the minimum age for marriage at 18 years across Pakistan.
The new legislation criminalises the solemnisation of marriages where either the boy or girl is underage.
Under the law, no Nikah khuwan (marriage officiant) may conduct a marriage involving minors, with violations punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs100,000.
Additionally, a man over 18 who marries an underage girl may face up to three years of rigorous imprisonment.
The bill also empowers courts to intervene if informed of an underage marriage, including protecting the identity of those reporting such cases.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman hailed the bill as a landmark victory in the fight against child marriage, describing it as a crucial step toward protecting the rights of women and children.
“This law is a result of a long and difficult struggle, and it will help improve the education and health of young girls,” said Sherry Rehman.
She further acknowledged the role played by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, party leaders, other political representatives, and public support in securing the bill’s passage.
In addition, Malaika Reza, General Secretary of the PPP Human Rights Cell, expressed her appreciation for the leadership shown by President Zardari.
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She referred to the bill as a “significant victory” in the fight to safeguard women’s and children’s rights.
The bill was initially introduced in the National Assembly by PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqui and later presented in the Senate by Senator Rehman.
However, the legislation faced opposition from the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), which declared the bill contrary to Islamic principles.
