Introduction The passage of the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 in Punjab is a major victory, but it is a victory for one province. The fight for girls’ rights is not over until every province in Pakistan sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 for both girls and boys. Currently, a patchwork of … Read more
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 … Read more
Introduction Child marriage is not just a legal or social problem; it is a public health crisis with devastating consequences for young girls. The practice forces girls into early pregnancy before their bodies are ready, leading to severe health complications, including death. This article examines the specific health risks associated with child marriage and why … Read more
While the passage of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 was met with widespread celebration, it was not without opposition. The debate in the provincial assembly laid bare the deep-seated tensions between progressive legal reforms and conservative social values. This article examines the arguments raised by opponents of the law and why they failed … Read more
Introduction Pakistan’s efforts to reform its marriage laws have been significantly influenced by its international obligations. As a signatory to key human rights treaties, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Pakistan is bound to protect children … Read more
Introduction The practice of child marriage is often enabled by a network of individuals, from parents and guardians to marriage registrars and community leaders. Recognizing this, the new Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 holds all these actors accountable. By imposing severe penalties on anyone who facilitates, promotes, or fails to prevent a child marriage, … Read more
Introduction Beyond legislative changes, Pakistan’s superior courts have been playing a transformative role in redefining marriage and strengthening women’s rights. In a series of landmark judgments, the courts have moved away from a traditional model of marriage as a relationship of ownership, where the husband holds superior power, towards a partnership model based on equality … Read more
Introduction Child marriage is not just a cultural or social issue; it is deeply intertwined with poverty and economic inequality. In Pakistan, the practice of marrying girls at a young age is often rooted in economic desperation, where families view daughters as a financial burden and marriage as a way to reduce household expenses. This … Read more
Introduction The legal age for marriage in Pakistan has been a subject of debate and reform for nearly a century. The journey from the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 to the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 reflects a slow but determined evolution of societal values and legal frameworks. This article traces the history … Read more
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 … Read more