Tuesday 14 Apr, 2026
Metro53 - LAHORE (Web Desk): The Standing Committee on Local Government of the Punjab Assembly has approved an ordinance banning child marriage in the province. Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider has already given approval to the Punjab Child Marriage Ordinance 2026.
According to the text of the ordinance, marriage under the age of 18 will not be allowed in Punjab, making it mandatory for both bride and groom to be at least 18 years old at the time of nikah.
The ordinance declares child marriage a punishable criminal offence. Those involved in registering or solemnising such marriages will face at least one year imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000.
It further states that a person marrying a minor will face up to three years imprisonment and a fine of Rs500,000. Marriage involving a person under 18 will be treated as equivalent to sexual assault, carrying a penalty of up to seven years imprisonment and a fine of Rs1 million.
The law also proposes punishment for those taking minors to other provinces for marriage, with up to seven years imprisonment and a Rs1 million fine. Nikah registrars and parents may also face legal action for negligence.
Following committee approval, the ordinance will be presented in the Punjab Assembly for final passage. The meeting was attended by Child Protection Chairperson Sarah Ahmed, PML-N Chief Whip Rana Arshad, and other officials.
