LAHORE: The Punjab’s government has proposed strict legal measures aimed at preventing child marriages. The proposed legislation, currently under consideration, seeks to introduce firm penalties for those involved in marriages where either party is under the age of 18.
The marriage involving a boy or girl below 18 years of age would be declared a punishable offence. Any adult man who contracts marriage with an underage girl could face a minimum of two years imprisonment.
In addition to imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs500,000 may also be imposed.
The draft law does not limit accountability to the groom alone. Parents or guardians found involved in arranging or facilitating the marriage of a minor could face imprisonment ranging from two to three years.
One of the most notable aspects of the proposed ordinance is its clear classification of post-marriage cohabitation or establishment of marital relations with an underage girl as child abuse.
In such cases, the punishment could extend from five to seven years imprisonment, accompanied by a minimum fine of Rs1 million. In this sense, the ordinance further proposes that all cases related to child marriage be heard in Sessions Courts.
Courts would be legally bound to decide such cases within 90 days, a measure designed to ensure swift justice and prevent prolonged litigation.
This development comes after similar legislation was enacted in the federal capital, where marriage under 18 has already been declared a criminal offence. However, the move has previously faced resistance from certain religious and political groups, including factions within Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, who have expressed reservations over such reforms.
