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Pakistan passes bill banning child marriages in capital

The bill highlights the urgent need to end child marriage in Pakistan, noting its harmful effects, especially on adolescent girls unprepared for motherhood

Pakistan passes bill banning child marriages in capital

Representative image of child marriage.

Reuters

Pakistan’s parliament on Friday passed a bill prohibiting child marriage in the federal capital, with a specific focus on protecting underage girls.

Titled the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2024, the legislation was introduced in the National Assembly by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) lawmaker Sharmila Sahiba Faruqi Hisham as a private member’s bill. The motion received broad support, passing with a majority vote from members of all coalition parties, including the ruling government.

According to the bill, a “child” is defined as anyone under the age of 18, and a “child marriage” refers to any union in which at least one party is a minor.

Key provisions of the bill include:

Punishments for offenders

  • An adult man who marries a minor girl faces rigorous imprisonment between 2 to 3 years and a fine.
  • Any sexual activity resulting from a marriage involving an individual under 18 -- regardless of consent -- will be treated as rape. The offender faces 5 to 7 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of PKR 1 million.
  • Child trafficking for marriage attracts 5–7 years of imprisonment, discouraging forced or deceptive child marriages.
  • Parents or guardians who facilitate child marriages can be jailed for 2–3 years and fined, holding them accountable for negligence.
  • Nikah registrars who illegally register child marriages risk 1 year in jail and a PKR 100,000 fine, ensuring strict compliance.

Court and legal process

  • Only the district and sessions judge has the authority to handle these cases, ensuring specialized legal scrutiny.
  • Trials must be completed within 90 days, prioritizing swift justice for victims.
  • Courts can issue emergency injunctions to stop planned child marriages, with protections for whistleblowers.
Besides, marriage registrars are now legally bound to verify the ages of both individuals using computerized national identity cards issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
The bill’s statement of objectives emphasizes the urgent need to eliminate child marriage in Pakistan, citing its harmful impact on both boys and girls, particularly adolescent girls who are physically unprepared for motherhood.

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