The Senate on Monday passed a bill banning the marriage of anyone under the age of 18 in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), making child marriage a punishable offence with strict penalties for all those involved in the crime.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman tabled the bill during a tense session chaired by the Acting Senate Chairman Syedaal Khan.
While making her statement, she emphasised the need for legislation, citing a sharp rise in the maternal mortality rates among juvenile girls.
“Girls as young as 16 become mothers, and many die during childbirth,” she said, adding, “This bill was first unanimously passed by the Senate in 2013.”
The National Assembly unanimously passed the bill last week, which was introduced by MNA Sharmila Faruqui. Once it becomes law, it will apply in the federal capital, and only the district and sessions courts will handle related cases.
The Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929 will no longer apply in the federal capital following the enforcement of the law. However, all past orders, decisions, and judgments made under that act will still be considered valid.
Following the passage of the bill, Rehman took to X to celebrate what she called a major step towards protecting children’s rights.
She wrote: “Landmark day for the Senate of Pakistan today! Proud of the @PPP_Org and all the parties including allies and the opposition for supporting the Child Marriage Restraint bill. This is third time this House has passed this bill in one shape or form.