QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly on Monday passed a landmark law banning child marriage across the province, introducing strict penalties for those involved in underage unions. The legislation defines a child as anyone under the age of 18 and aims to curb a practice long driven by poverty and cultural norms.
Under the new law, individuals who enter into a child marriage contract face imprisonment of two to three years and fines ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs300,000. Those who facilitate, encourage, or arrange such marriages are subject to the same punishments.
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Child marriage remains a significant issue in Pakistan, with legal age limits varying across provinces. While the federal Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 set the minimum age at 16 for girls and 18 for boys, recent provincial and federal reforms have sought to standardize the minimum age at 18.
Earlier this year, President Asif Zardari approved the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Child Marriage Restraint Bill, making the federal capital and Sindh the only regions in Pakistan where marriage under the age of 18 is fully prohibited. The Balochistan law now aligns the province with these stricter protections.
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Advocates say the legislation is a major step toward safeguarding children’s rights, promoting education, and preventing exploitation. However, implementation and awareness remain crucial to ensuring its effectiveness in curbing underage marriages across the province.