LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minority Affairs has unanimously approved the Christian Marriage Bill 2026, proposing a new legal framework for Christian marriages in the province.
The proposed legislation seeks to repeal and replace the colonial-era Christian Marriage Act of 1872. If passed by the Punjab Assembly, the bill would raise the minimum legal age of marriage to 18 years for both men and women.
Under the existing framework, the minimum age is 16 for males and 13 for females.
A key provision of the bill would make registration of Christian marriages with the relevant Union Council and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) mandatory.
The proposed law would require both parties to a marriage solemnised under the Christian marriage framework to be Christian. It would also allow ordained and religiously qualified pastors of churches registered with the Punjab government, as well as designated government-appointed marriage registrars, to solemnise marriages according to Christian rites.
The bill proposes several procedural requirements, including prior written notice of the intended marriage, a public announcement and the presence of at least two witnesses during the ceremony.
It would also remove historical restrictions concerning the specific days or times on which Christian marriage ceremonies can be conducted and provide for the maintenance of marriage records through standardised registers and prescribed forms.
The bill was introduced as a private member’s bill by Punjab Assembly member Falbous Christopher.
According to the mover, the legislation is aimed at modernising and clarifying the legal framework governing Christian marriages while providing greater legal protection for consent and individual rights.
The committee’s approval does not yet make the bill law. It will now be presented before the full Punjab Assembly for consideration and final approval.