Another Pakistani Province Bans Child MarriageAnother Pakistani Province Bans Child Marriage
The Balochistan Assembly has approved the Balochistan Child Marriages Restraint Act 2025, a comprehensive law that imposes the province’s strictest penalties to date on anyone involved in child marriages.
The legislation defines a child as any person under the age of 18 and declares all child marriages illegal, with several categories deemed void from the outset. The act overrides all conflicting laws in the province and takes effect immediately.
Under the new law, any adult male who enters into a child marriage can receive two to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 200,000. The same punishment applies to anyone who performs, arranges, promotes or abets such a marriage.
Courts may impose an additional three months of imprisonment if offenders fail to pay the fine. The act places new legal obligations on Nikah Khawans, Nikah Registrars and union council secretaries. They must verify the CNICs of both parties before solemnising a marriage.
Failure to verify ages is now a criminal offence punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to Rs. 100,000. All offences under the act are cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable. This authorises police to take action without warrants, restricts the availability of bail and prevents private settlements.
Only a First Class Judicial Magistrate can hear cases under the law. The act also declares child marriages void in situations where the minor is kidnapped, sold, coerced, trafficked or enticed for marriage or other immoral purposes.
Children born from such unions will be considered legitimate, and the father will be responsible for their maintenance.
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The Balochistan Assembly has approved the Balochistan Child Marriages Restraint Act 2025, a comprehensive law that imposes the province’s strictest… Read More
The post Another Pakistani Province Bans Child Marriage appeared first on ProPakistani.