President Asif Ali Zardari has officially enacted the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025 — a crucial law aimed at preventing child marriages in the federal capital.
This privately introduced bill, passed by Parliament, received the President’s assent on May 29, 2025, marking a major advance in safeguarding children’s rights and aligning Pakistan with international human rights norms.
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Senator Sherry Rehman, a vocal advocate of the legislation, took to social media to thank President Zardari for his resolve despite opposition. Calling it a “proud moment for Pakistan,” she applauded the persistent efforts of all those involved in the bill’s passage.
Similarly, MNA Nafisa Shah celebrated the enactment as a transformative moment for women’s and children’s health and rights. She also highlighted Sindh’s earlier initiative to outlaw child marriages and encouraged other provinces to adopt similar protections.
The new law defines a minimum legal age for marriage and outlines strict penalties for violations, with the aim of tackling underage and forced marriages, which primarily impact young girls.
Human rights advocates and civil society groups welcomed the law, describing it as a historic achievement in protecting minors and reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to justice and equality.
