The Government of Punjab has introduced stricter penalties to curb child marriage after Governor Saleem Haider Khan approved the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026.
The move has been backed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who termed it a necessary step to protect children across the province.
Under the new ordinance, the minimum legal age for marriage has been set at 18 years for both boys and girls. Any marriage involving a minor will now be treated as a non bailable offence. Those found guilty can face up to three years in prison along with a fine of Rs. 500,000.
The law also places clear responsibility on nikah registrars. They are now barred from registering marriages where either party is under 18. Failure to comply can result in legal action, including imprisonment and financial penalties.
Officials say this provision closes a major loophole that previously allowed underage marriages to be recorded without strict verification.
In a stronger stance, the ordinance classifies cohabitation after a child marriage as child abuse, which carries tougher punishment under existing criminal laws.
Authorities believe this will act as a deterrent and ensure faster prosecution of offenders.
Child rights activists have long pushed for uniform enforcement of the minimum age requirement in line with national and international commitments.
The new ordinance signals Punjab’s intent to align its legal framework with broader child protection standards and strengthen safeguards for vulnerable minors.
