Child Marriage in Pakistan: Legal Age, Punishments, and What You Should Know

What Is the Legal Age of Marriage in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, the minimum legal age of marriage is:

• 18 years for boys

• 16 years for girls (under federal law)

This is defined under the Child Marriage Restraint Act, which applies at the federal level.

However, it’s important to note that laws can vary by province. For example:

• In Sindh, the legal age of marriage is 18 years for both boys and girls under the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act.

This means child marriage laws are stricter in Sindh compared to some other provinces.

What Are the Punishments?

Under Pakistani law, anyone who:

• Contracts a child marriage

• Conducts or performs the marriage

• Promotes or permits the marriage

can face legal consequences, including:

• Imprisonment (which may extend up to several years depending on the province)

• Monetary fines

In provinces where stricter amendments have been proposed or implemented, penalties may include up to 2 years in jail and fines reaching several lakh rupees.

Why These Laws Matter

Child marriage can have long-term consequences, including:

• Interrupted education

• Health risks for young mothers

• Economic dependency

• Increased vulnerability to domestic abuse

By enforcing minimum age laws, Pakistan aims to safeguard children’s rights, improve access to education, and promote healthier family structures.

Moving Forward

Ending child marriage requires more than just laws. It requires:

• Public awareness

• Community engagement

• Strong enforcement of existing legislation

• Support systems for vulnerable families

Protecting children is a shared responsibility. Knowing the law is the first step toward meaningful change.

Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration