The Punjab government is preparing a new ordinance to strictly prohibit marriages involving anyone under the age of 18. The proposed law introduces tougher penalties aimed at discouraging child marriage and strengthening legal protection for minors across the province.
Under the draft ordinance, any adult who marries a minor could face a minimum of two years in prison along with a fine of up to Rs500,000. Parents or guardians who arrange or facilitate such marriages may be sentenced to up to three years in jail. The move signals a stronger enforcement approach than earlier regulations, which were often criticized for weak penalties.
The ordinance also takes a firm stance on cohabitation or conjugal relations involving minors. Such acts would be classified as child abuse, carrying a punishment of five to seven years in prison and a minimum fine of Rs1 million. All cases would be heard in sessions courts, with a legal requirement to deliver verdicts within 90 days to ensure swift justice.
This initiative aligns Punjab with existing federal legislation and the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act, both of which set 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage. The draft also bars Nikah registrars from solemnizing underage marriages and provides legal safeguards for individuals who report violations.
Child rights advocates have welcomed the proposal, noting that early marriages often result in interrupted education, health risks for young girls, and long-term economic hardship.
If approved, the ordinance could mark a significant step toward ending child marriage in Punjab.
