President Zardari gives assent to bill curbing child marriages in Islamabad

President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday accorded his approval to the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, which prevents marriage under the age of 18. The law had attracted strong opposition from religious segments. 

Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) senator Sherry Rehman shared the notification by the Presidency on her X handle, expressing gratitude to “President signing the law Child Marriage Restraint Bill despite all pressure”.

Thank you President @AAliZardari for signing into law the #ChildMarriageRestraint bill despite all pressure! Proud moment for #Pakistan
Thank you to all the women and men who made this possible after a long journey of twists and turns. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/pSUr7aBNon

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) May 30, 2025

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) ruling argued that classifying marriage under the age of 18 as rape did not conform with Islamic law. 

“The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025 is assented to, as passed by the Parliament,” the notification read.

The bill, which relates to children’s rights protection and underage marriages, was forwarded to the President on May 27 after approval from the national assembly and senate. 

Read: Child marriage must end, it's time to empower Pakistan's girls, says UNICEF ambassador Saba Qamar

However, Senator Sherry Rehman described the law as a milestone in the legislation against child marriage in Pakistan and said that this success was achieved despite resistance from various quarters.

Ms Rehman believed that the signing bill was a symbol of a new era of reforms. It was a victory for the protection of the rights of women and children, and this law was possible after a long and difficult struggle.

“This bill is not just a law but a symbol of the determination that our girls have the right to education, health and a prosperous life.”

She thanked Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, party leaders, other political parties, the opposition and the public and also called on the rest of the provinces to take steps towards such legislation.

Read: 'Un-Islamic': CII rejects underage marriage bill 

In contrast, Maulana Jalaluddin, a member of the Islamic Ideology Council belonging to the Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Islam (F), said that President Zardari should not have signed this bill as it would create chaos in the society.

“This bill is not only against the principles of Sharia but also contradicts our social values ​​and traditions. It is a conspiracy of the West to destroy our family system.”

Jalaluddin also said that secretly passing this bill through parliament without sending it to the Council of Islamic Ideology shows malice.