The Punjab Assembly has passed a new law banning marriage under the age of 18. The bill was approved with a majority vote after a detailed debate among lawmakers.
The legislation, titled “The Punjab Marriage Restraint Bill 2026,” aims at banning marriage for minors across the province. It sets the minimum legal age for girls at 18 years.
During the session, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs presented the bill. Members discussed its impact on society, culture, and legal frameworks before voting in favor.
However, not all members supported the move. Lawmaker Zulfiqar Ali Shah opposed the bill. He suggested that banning marriage completely for those under 18 may not be suitable in all cases.
He proposed that minors should be allowed to marry with court permission. He also raised concerns about cultural values and religious interpretations. His comments sparked debate within the assembly.
In response, Information Minister Uzma Bukhari defended the bill. She said banning marriage at an early age is necessary to protect young girls.
She explained that many girls are not aware of their marriage decisions. She added that both mental and physical maturity must be considered before marriage.
Uzma Bukhari also referred to similar legislation in Sindh. She said that the Federal Shariat Court had supported such steps to prevent child marriages.
The minister emphasized that banning marriage under 18 helps reduce cases of abuse and forced unions. She also highlighted that identity documents should be required for marriage.
According to her, if a person does not have a national ID card, a birth certificate should be mandatory. This would ensure proper verification of age.
The bill also led to procedural concerns. Some members said they were not given copies of the bill in advance. The Speaker then directed that documents be shared immediately.
The new law reflects a shift in policy, as the previous minimum age was 16 years. Now, banning marriage under 18 is seen as a step toward stronger legal protection.
Supporters believe the law will improve safety and rights for young girls. Critics, however, continue to debate its cultural and legal implications.
Overall, the decision on banning marriage marks an important development in Punjab’s legislative framework.
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