'Un-Islamic': CII rejects underage marriage bill

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has rejected two child marriage restraint bills, declaring them incompatible with Islamic law.

In a meeting chaired by Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi on Tuesday, the council opposed the federal Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025 — passed by the National Assembly on May 17 — and a similar bill from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), arguing they conflict with Shariah.

The federal bill, introduced by PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqi, aimed to criminalize marriages under age 18, penalising Nikah registrars (up to 1-year imprisonment and Rs100,000 fines) and adult groes (2–3 years’ rigorous imprisonment).

The CII objected to clauses labeling under-18 marriages as "sexual assault" and imposing mandatory punishments, stating these violate Islamic principles. It noted neither bill was referred for review before legislation.

The council also ruled thalassemia testing should remain optional, criticised coercive dowry practices, and affirmed women’s right to choose post-marriage domicile.

It clarified that husbands’ financial obligations end after iddat (waiting period post-divorce or death).

Additionally, the CII proposed amendments to Clause 7 of the Muslim Family Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025 and formed a drafting committee. The meeting addressed NAB queries and Islamic finance issues.

Read more: Council of Islamic Ideology rejects bill to ban marriages under 18

The decisions intensify debates over balancing child rights and religious norms in Pakistan, where UNICEF estimates 18% of girls marry before 18.

Critics argue the CII’s stance undermines efforts to combat underage marriages, while supporters view it as upholding Islamic jurisprudence.