Islamabad:
The National Assembly on Friday approved a historical bill that prohibits children’s marriages within the territory of the capital of Islamabad (ICT), criminalizing the marriage of any person under 18.
The legislation stipulates strict punishments for offenders, including parents, tutors, clergy and marriage registrars.
According to the bill, the registration of a marriage that involves persons under 18 years of age has been declared a criminal offense. Nikah’s registrars will now be legally obliged not to register such marriages.
The law requires that any solemnant person to a Nikah verify the presence of computerized national identity cards (CNIC) of both parties before the registration or performance of the marriage ceremony.
Not verifying said documentation or proceeding with the solemnization or registration of a minor marriage will result in a year in prison, a fine of RS100,000 or both.
The bill also classifies the marriage of a girl under 18 to an adult man as a punishable criminal offense, with a rigorous imprisonment that varies from a minimum of two years to a maximum of three years, along with a fine.
In addition, any sexual relationship resulting from a marriage that involves a minor, either with or without consent, will be considered a legal violation. According to the bill, any person who coacciates, attracts or imposes a child minor for marriage as a perpetrator of sexual assault, according to the bill.
Facilitate such marriages is now punished with five to seven years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of up to RS1 million or both.
In addition, people who use, take refuge or take the custody of a child to facilitate a marriage will be three -year prison owners together with a fine.
