Punjab Assembly passes bill setting minimum marriage age at 18 for girls

The Punjab Assembly on Monday passed a bill setting minimum marriage age at 18 for girls.

According to media reports, the provincial minister for parliamentary affairs presented The Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 in the house, which was approved with a majority after discussion. The legislation proposes setting the minimum age of marriage for girls at 18 across Punjab.

During the session, government lawmaker Zulfiqar Ali Shah voiced objections, suggesting that individuals seeking to marry before 18 should be allowed to do so with court permission. He argued that restrictions should not override societal and religious values, raising concerns about the implications of delaying marriage.

Responding to the criticism, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari defended the bill, saying young girls often lack awareness and consent in early marriages. She cited encouragement from the Federal Shariat Court regarding similar legislation passed in Sindh, and stressed the need for both mental and physical maturity before marriage.

Bukhari also highlighted that legal documentation should be mandatory for marriage, stating that if a national identity card is unavailable, a birth certificate must be presented. She added that the previous minimum age of 16 during the tenure of Shehbaz Sharif has now been raised to 18 under the new bill.

The minister further criticised harmful cultural practices, arguing that young girls should not bear the consequences of societal or criminal acts. She emphasized that laws must protect minors and prevent exploitation under the guise of tradition.