The Punjab Assembly has passed the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 with a majority vote, declaring marriage below the age of 18 a punishable and cognisable offence across the province. Lawmakers said the legislation aims to strengthen child protection laws and prevent early marriages that often harm the health, education, and future opportunities of young girls and boys.
Under the new law, any adult above the age of 18 who contracts a marriage with a minor will face strict legal consequences, including imprisonment ranging from two to three years. In addition, the court may impose a financial penalty of up to Rs500,000, making the law one of the toughest measures introduced in Punjab to discourage underage marriages and protect vulnerable children.
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The legislation also places responsibility on parents, guardians, and other individuals who assist or allow such marriages to take place. Authorities say anyone who promotes, facilitates, or fails to prevent a child marriage could face the same punishment of two to three years imprisonment along with a possible fine reaching Rs500,000.
Officials emphasised that the law not only targets offenders but also aims to strengthen preventive measures through awareness campaigns and stronger enforcement mechanisms. Policymakers believe stricter legal action will discourage families and community leaders from arranging marriages involving children and encourage greater respect for legal age requirements.
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Meanwhile, Sara Ahmed welcomed the legislation and described it as a major step forward in safeguarding children’s rights. She noted that the measure reflects the vision of Maryam Nawaz and represents a commitment to creating a safer environment where girls and children can pursue education and personal development without early marriage pressures.
Authorities also plan to introduce monitoring systems and community awareness initiatives to ensure effective implementation of the law across the province. Officials believe consistent enforcement and public cooperation will help reduce child marriage cases and bring meaningful social change in the coming years.