The Punjab Assembly has passed the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 with a majority vote. The new law makes marriage below the age of 18 a cognisable offence across the province. Authorities can now take immediate legal action without requiring a formal complaint. The legislation marks a major shift in how the state addresses child marriage. It introduces strict punishments for adults, parents, and facilitators involved in such unions. Lawmakers say the move aims to protect children, especially girls, from exploitation and abuse. Strict Punishments for Adult Offenders Under the new Punjab Child Marriage Law, any adult above 18 who contracts a marriage with a child will face serious consequences. The law mandates rigorous imprisonment of at least two years, which may extend up to three years. In addition, courts may impose a fine of up to Rs500,000. The bill clearly defines the offence and removes legal ambiguity. It ensures that individuals cannot evade responsibility by exploiting loopholes. Officials believe this provision will act as a strong deterrent against underage marriages. Parents and Guardians Also Held Accountable The law goes further by targeting those who enable child marriages. Parents, guardians, or any individual who facilitates or permits such unions will face equal punishment. The legislation prescribes two to three years of imprisonment along with a fine of up to Rs500,000. Importantly, the law also covers negligence. If a guardian fails to prevent a child marriage despite having the authority to do so, they will be held liable. This clause expands accountability and places responsibility on families and communities. Cognisable Offence Status Strengthens Enforcement By declaring child marriage a cognisable offence, the Punjab government has strengthened enforcement mechanisms. Police can now register cases and take action without waiting for a court order. This change is expected to improve response time and prevent marriages before they take place. Legal experts say this provision aligns Pakistan’s provincial laws with international child protection standards. It also empowers law enforcement agencies to act proactively. Officials Call It a Landmark Step Reacting to the development, Sara Ahmed, Chairperson of the Punjab Child Protection Bureau, welcomed the legislation. She described it as a “landmark” move for child protection in the province. Ahmed said the law reflects the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. She emphasised that the legislation will help safeguard the rights of girls and vulnerable children. She also expressed confidence that the law will bring long-term social change. According to her, stricter laws combined with awareness campaigns can significantly reduce child marriages. Awareness Campaigns and Implementation Plan Authorities plan to introduce special awareness campaigns to ensure effective implementation. These initiatives will educate communities about the legal age of marriage and the consequences of violations. Officials will also train law enforcement agencies to handle cases sensitively. The government aims to create a coordinated response involving police, social services, and local administrations. Experts stress that awareness remains critical. In many rural areas, cultural practices still support early marriages. Therefore, the success of the Punjab Child Marriage Law will depend on consistent enforcement and community engagement. A Step Towards Social Reform The passage of this law signals a broader commitment to child rights in Pakistan. Child marriage has long remained a challenge due to poverty, lack of education, and social norms. However, stronger legal frameworks can help shift societal attitudes. Advocates argue that delaying marriage improves education outcomes and economic opportunities for girls. It also reduces health risks associated with early pregnancies. The Punjab government believes this legislation will set a precedent for other provinces. Policymakers expect similar reforms to emerge at the national level in the future.
