JUI challenges child marriage restraint act in Federal Shariat Court

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) has approached the Federal Shariat Court challenging the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025, arguing that certain provisions of the law are inconsistent with Islamic jurisprudence.

According to media reports, the petition stated that defining every individual under the age of 18 as a child contradicts Islamic teachings. It also contends that setting 18 years as the mandatory minimum age for marriage does not align with Islamic injunctions.

The petition further argues that mandatory punishments under the law restrict judicial discretion.
The party maintained that it does not oppose child protection measures but urged that the legislation be aligned with the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

It has requested a review of the contested clauses and the introduction of a mechanism for judicial exemptions in exceptional cases.