Islamabad, Pakistan – May 2025: The National Assembly of Pakistan has passed a new law that makes child marriage illegal in Pakistan
This is a very important and historic law. It helps protect children, especially girls, from being married too young. From now on, no one under the age of 18 can legally get married in Pakistan.
Table of Contents
What the New Law Says
Here are the main points of this new law:
1. Minimum Age for Marriage is 18
Anyone who is younger than 18 years old cannot get married. If someone tries to marry a child, it is now a crime.
2. ID Cards Must Be Checked
Before the marriage happens, the Nikah registrar (marriage officer) must check the Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) of both the bride and groom.
If they don’t check the CNICs, or marry someone under 18:
They can be sent to jail for 1 year
Or fined Rs. 100,000
Or both
3. Adult Marrying a Minor is a Crime
If an adult man marries a girl under 18, he will be punished.
He can go to jail for 2 to 3 years
He will also have to pay a fine
4. Parents and Others Can Be Punished Too
If parents, relatives, clerics, or friends help in a child marriage:
They can be sent to jail for 5 to 7 years
And fined up to Rs. 1 million
This includes anyone who arranges, supports, or witnesses the marriage of a child.
5. Child Marriage = Child Abuse
The law says that any sexual act in a child marriage is statutory rape.
Even if both people agree, it is still considered abuse if one of them is under 18.
6. Hiding or Helping Children for Marriage is a Crime
If someone hides a child, gives them a place to stay, or employs them to help with a marriage:
They can go to jail for 3 years
And will also have to pay a fine
Why This Law is Important
Many children in Pakistan, especially girls, are forced to marry at a very young age.
This causes:
Loss of education
Early pregnancy and health problems
Domestic abuse
And a life without proper freedom
This new law gives children a chance to grow up safely, go to school, and build their own future.
What People Are Saying
Many human rights organizations, teachers, lawyers, and citizens are calling this law a great success.
It shows that Pakistan is taking serious steps to protect children and stop harmful traditions.
Now, people are asking other provinces of Pakistan to pass the same law, so all children in the country can be protected.
A Message to the Nation
This law is a strong message:
Childhood is for learning and dreaming – not for marriage.
It is time to say NO to child marriage and YES to education, safety, and freedom for every child in Pakistan.