ISLAMABAD: The Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026 has been challenged in the Federal Shariat Court. The law declares under-18 marriages a criminal offence in Punjab. A petition has been filed, claiming that several parts of the ordinance are against the Constitution and Islamic principles.
The petition was submitted by Mufti Muhammad Aslam through his legal counsel. The governor of Punjab, through the relevant secretary, and other concerned authorities have been named as respondents in the case.
According to the petition, the provisions of the ordinance, including Section 2-D, Section 3, and other related clauses, should be declared invalid. The petitioner argued that treating under-18 marriages as a criminal offence conflicts with Islamic law.
The petition stated that the state has the authority to make laws for administrative purposes and to maintain public order. However, it argued that the government cannot legislate on matters that fall under religious law. The petitioner believes that the ordinance exceeds the state’s legal authority in this regard.
The Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026 was introduced to discourage child marriages and strengthen legal protections for minors. Under the ordinance, marriage below the age of 18 is considered a punishable offence. The law aims to reduce child marriages and improve the safety and welfare of children across the province.
However, the petitioner has requested the Federal Shariat Court to examine whether specific provisions of the ordinance are compatible with Islamic teachings. The petition specifically challenges Sections 2-C and 2-D, along with other related provisions.
In addition to seeking the cancellation of these sections, the petitioner has also requested the court to suspend the implementation of the ordinance until a final verdict is issued. The petition argues that continuing to enforce the law before the court’s decision could create legal complications.
The Federal Shariat Court is expected to review the legal and constitutional arguments presented by both sides before reaching a decision. Until then, the challenge has brought renewed attention to the legal debate surrounding under-18 marriages and the balance between legislative authority and religious law in Pakistan.
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The court has not yet announced a hearing date or issued any interim order regarding the petition. Further proceedings will determine whether the challenged provisions of the ordinance remain in force or are subject to legal changes.
