President Asif Ali Zardari signed on Friday the Draft Law on Child Marriage 2025, establishing the minimum age for marriage at age 18 in Pakistan.
The new legislation criminalizes the solemnization of marriages where the child is a minor.
According to the law, no Nikah Khuwan (officiant marriage) can carry out a marriage involving minors, with punishable violations up to a year in prison and a fine of RS100,000.
In addition, a man over 18 who marries a minor girl can face up to three years of rigorous imprisonment.
The bill also allows the courts to intervene if they are reported from a minor marriage, including the protection of the identity of those who report these cases.
The PPP senator, Sherry Rehman, praised the bill as a historical victory in the fight against child marriage, describing it as a crucial step to protect the rights of women and children.
“This law is the result of a long and difficult struggle, and will help improve the education and health of girls,” said Sherry Rehman.
He also recognized the role played by the president of PPP, Bilawal Bhutto, party leaders, other political representatives and public support to ensure the approval of the bill.
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 struggle to safeguard the rights of women and children.
The bill was initially presented at the National Assembly by PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqui and then presented in the Senate by Senator Rehman.
However, the legislation faced the opposition of the Islamic Ideology Council (CII), which declared the bill contrary to Islamic principles.
