President Asif Zardari Signs Bill Banning Child Marriages

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – President Asif Ali Zardari has signed into law a bill banning child marriages in Pakistan.

The bill to prohibit child marriages was originally presented in the National Assembly by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sharmila Faruqi and in the Senate by Senator Sherry Rehman.

According to the newly enacted law, no nikah (marriage contract) will be officiated if either the bride or groom is under the age of 18. Any person found solemnizing such a marriage will face one year of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs. 100,000.

The law further states that if an adult man marries a girl under 18, he will be sentenced to up to three years of rigorous imprisonment. In addition, parents who arrange or fail to prevent a child marriage will also face up to three years in prison along with fines.

The bill empowers courts to intervene if informed of a planned child marriage, allowing them to issue orders to halt the marriage.

It also ensures protection for individuals who report such incidents, including the option to keep their identity confidential if desired.