Introduction
While the passage of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 is a monumental achievement, the true test lies in its enforcement and implementation. A law, no matter how well-crafted, is only as effective as its implementation. In a country with deep-rooted patriarchal norms and limited institutional capacity, ensuring that this law translates into real protection for girls will be a significant challenge.
The Implementation Gap
Pakistan has a history of “implementation gaps” where progressive laws exist on paper but are not effectively enforced on the ground. The National Assembly’s Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming has expressed concerns about Pakistan’s weak performance in economic participation and opportunities for women, linking it to a lack of enforcement of women’s rights. Similar challenges exist for child marriage laws. The new law makes child marriage a cognisable and non-bailable offence, meaning the police are empowered to act, but they must be trained and willing to do so.
Community Resistance
One of the biggest challenges to enforcement is community resistance. In many areas, child marriage is a deeply embedded cultural practice, and attempts to enforce the law may be met with hostility. Families often view it as a private matter and resent outside intervention. The opposition to the bill in the provincial assembly, where some lawmakers argued that the law was against “societal values,” reflects this widespread resistance. To overcome this, there must be a concerted effort to change mindsets through awareness-raising and community engagement.
The Role of Local Officials
The effectiveness of the law will depend heavily on the actions of local officials, including police officers, Nikah registrars, and judicial officers. The police must be trained to register cases, investigate child marriages, and arrest suspects. Nikah registrars must refuse to officiate or register underage marriages. The courts must process cases efficiently and impose the severe penalties mandated by the law. The law also requires that cases be heard by Courts of Session, which may require additional resources and training.
The Need for a Multi-Pronged Approach
To ensure the law’s success, a comprehensive strategy beyond the legal framework is needed. This includes education campaigns to inform communities about the harms of child marriage and the legal consequences. It also requires economic empowerment for vulnerable families to reduce the financial pressures that drive child marriages. Furthermore, support systems must be in place for girls who manage to escape child marriage or who are at risk.
A Long-Term Commitment
The enforcement of the Child Marriage Restraint Act is a long-term project that requires sustained political will, community engagement, and institutional strengthening. The UNFPA delegation, in its meeting with the Punjab Assembly Speaker, discussed the effective implementation of the new law, indicating the international community’s focus on this issue. The government must continue to work with civil society organizations, international bodies, and local communities to ensure that the law protects the rights of every girl in Punjab. The law is a beginning, not an end.