A historic bill banning child marriages was passed by the Pakistani National Assembly, but it only applies to citizens of Islamabad, the country’s capital. The law imposes severe penalties, such as jail term and heavy fines, and increases the legal marriage age for both boys and girls from 16 to 18. Even though the practice is still permitted in other regions of Pakistan, observers have hailed it as a major turning point in the nation’s continuous fight for gender equality and children’s rights.
Nevertheless, this protection is limited to Islamabad. Underage marriages are still permitted in the rest of Pakistan. While clerics have denounced this action as “un-Islamic,” activists have hailed it as a breakthrough.
Strict Penalties for Violators
Child marriage in Islamabad are now illegal under the new law. If a man over the age of 18 marries a minor, he could spend two to three years in prison. Additionally, he will pay a fine of up to Rs 100,000. If the accused can demonstrate that the marriage did not involve a minor, the law will grant some leniency.
Furthermore, any sexual act that takes place in such a union will now be considered statutory rape. The bill establishes a distinct legal boundary that puts the rights and safety of children first.
International Praise and Local Pushback
The bill was hailed by the UN as a “landmark advancement in safeguarding children’s rights.” It emphasized how the law supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 5, which is to eradicate child marriage by 2030. Senator Sherry Rehman and Dr. Sharmila Faruqui were praised by the UN for their support of the law. “This bill sends a powerful message… that women’s rights are protected at the top,” Rehman said.
Not all facets of society, though, applauded the action. Leaders in politics and religion have referred to the bill as “un-Islamic.” They contend that once a girl reaches puberty, marriage should be permitted and should continue to be a family decision.
Hope for National Reform
The bill gives activists hope, despite its narrow scope. They think that other provinces may enact comparable legislation as a result of Islamabad’s victory. In a nation where child marriage is still prevalent, observers refer to it as a “important step forward.” The law might serve as a social and legal model for reform across the country.
The capital of Pakistan has taken a risky move. Now the rest of the country has to decide between tradition and progress.
