Punjab has prepared a new ordinance to completely ban child marriages. The proposed law, called the Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance, will be presented in the upcoming Punjab Assembly session.
Under the ordinance, a marriage registrar who registers a child marriage will face one year in prison and a fine of PKR 100,000. Any adult over 18 who marries a minor girl will face a minimum of two years in prison. Adults involved in arranging such marriages may be fined up to PKR 500,000.
The ordinance declares that living with a minor girl or maintaining any relationship after marriage amounts to child abuse. The penalty for this includes 5 to 7 years in prison and a minimum fine of PKR 1,000,000.
Taking minors out of Punjab for marriage will be treated as child trafficking. Guardians or parents who arrange child marriages can face 2 to 3 years in prison.
All cases under the ordinance will be tried in Sessions Courts. These courts can issue immediate orders to prevent a child marriage.
The ordinance makes all related offenses non-bailable. Settlements or compromises will not be allowed. Authorities say this will ensure strict enforcement and safeguard children from early marriage.
Officials have stressed that the ordinance aims to protect children, especially girls, from exploitation and abuse. It also seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of child marriages.
