LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly has passed the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 with a majority vote, making marriage below the age of 18 a cognisable offence.
Under the new legislation, individuals above 18 years of age found involved in contracting marriage with a child will face rigorous imprisonment for up to three years, along with a fine of up to Rs500,000.
“Whoever, being an adult above eighteen years of age, contracts a marriage with a child, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to three years but shall not be less than two years and shall be liable to a fine which may extend to five hundred thousand rupees,” the bill states.
The law also prescribes strict penalties for parents or guardians who assist in underage marriages, including imprisonment ranging from two to three years and a fine of up to Rs500,000.
“Where a guardian or any other person, in any capacity, lawful or unlawful, does any act to promote child marriage, child abuse, or permits a child marriage to be solemnised, or intentionally or negligently fails to prevent it from being solemnised, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to three years but shall not be less than two years and shall also be liable to a fine which may extend to five hundred thousand rupees,” a clause of the bill reads.
Sara Ahmed welcomed the legislation, stating that it reflects the vision of Maryam Nawaz.
She described the law as “landmark,” calling it a significant step towards ensuring the protection of girls and children, and expressed hope that it would bring positive social change.
She added that special awareness and enforcement measures will also be introduced to ensure the effective implementation of the law.