Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, marks a significant departure from the previous law that allowed girls to marry at 16. The passage of this bill represents not just a legal change, but a profound societal commitment to protecting girls from the dangers of early marriage and empowering them to pursue education and careers.
The Genesis of the Law
The journey to this legislative milestone was not without its challenges. In February 2026, Punjab Governor Saleem Haider promulgated an ordinance to raise the marriage age to 18 for both sexes. However, as an ordinance, it was set to expire in 90 days, necessitating formal approval from the provincial assembly to become a permanent law. The bill was introduced in the Punjab Assembly by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, sparking intense debate among lawmakers.
Some members expressed concerns about “societal values” and proposed allowing court permission for marriages below 18, while others, including Information Minister Azma Bokhari, forcefully argued for the bill’s necessity to protect girls from lifelong harm. Ultimately, the house passed the bill by a majority vote, signaling a victory for progress over tradition. The UNFPA delegation praised the legislation as a landmark step towards protecting children’s rights, promoting gender equality, and strengthening social justice.
Key Provisions of the Law
The Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 introduces stringent penalties and comprehensive measures to deter child marriage. The law makes underage marriage a cognisable and non-bailable offence. It holds multiple parties accountable, including the adults who contract the marriage, the parents or guardians who facilitate or fail to prevent it, and the Nikah Khawans (marriage registrars) who register such unions.
An adult who marries a child can face rigorous imprisonment of up to three years, with a minimum sentence of two years, and a fine up to Rs500,000. Cohabitation arising from a child marriage is now classified as “child abuse,” carrying a prison term of five to seven years and a minimum fine of Rs1 million. These penalties aim to serve as a powerful deterrent by imposing serious legal consequences on all those involved in facilitating child marriages.
A Victory for Girls’ Rights
The law’s passage was met with widespread acclaim from women’s rights advocates and international organizations. Azma Bokhari, in a speech that resonated with many, criticized the practice of “using girls to settle disputes” and questioned whether women should continue to bear the burden of social injustices. She challenged opponents of the bill with a powerful question: “Will they marry off their daughters at the age of 9 or 11? The answer is a definitive no. But they are pretty fine seeing the underage girls of others married”.
Her words highlight the deep-seated hypocrisy that often underpins opposition to women’s rights legislation, where patriarchal norms are perpetuated to control women’s lives and bodies. This law is a crucial step towards dismantling those norms. The UNFPA described the legislation as a major milestone in promoting children’s rights and gender equality.
The Path Forward
While the law represents a significant achievement, its success will depend on effective implementation, enforcement, and awareness-raising. The new legislation is a powerful tool that, if properly utilized, can transform the lives of millions of girls in Punjab by enabling them to pursue higher education, develop skills, and build stronger foundations for their future families. The next step is to ensure that this law is not just a piece of paper but a lived reality for every girl in the province.