President Asif Ali Zardari Signs Landmark Bill Banning Child Marriage in Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari has signed into law the landmark Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill, marking a historic moment for children’s rights in Pakistan. The new legislation imposes strict penalties to combat the longstanding issue of underage marriages across the country.

Under the new law, marriage officiants (Nikah Khawan) who conduct weddings involving minors will face severe consequences. Those found guilty of solemnizing marriages where either party is below 18 years of age will be subject to one year imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 rupees. The law takes an even stricter stance against adult men who marry underage girls, prescribing three years of rigorous imprisonment for such offenses.

The legislation includes robust protective measures to encourage reporting of violations. Courts are now empowered to intervene and stop child marriages when alerted, with provisions to protect the identity of whistleblowers. This confidentiality clause aims to address concerns about retaliation in conservative communities where such practices may still find social acceptance.

The bill’s passage represents years of persistent advocacy by women lawmakers and child rights activists. Originally introduced in the National Assembly by Sharmila Farooqui and later presented in the Senate by Sherry Rehman, the law finally achieved presidential approval after navigating Pakistan’s legislative process.

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Human rights organizations have welcomed the development as a major step forward, though many emphasize that effective implementation will be crucial. The law faces significant enforcement challenges, particularly in rural areas where child marriage remains culturally entrenched and often goes unreported.

While the legislation establishes a strong legal framework, experts stress the need for complementary measures. These include public awareness campaigns, improved birth registration systems, and economic support programs for vulnerable families to address the root causes of child marriage.

The success of this landmark law will ultimately depend on its consistent enforcement across all provinces. As Pakistan takes this important step toward protecting its children, the focus now shifts to ensuring the law’s provisions translate into real protection for young girls and boys across the nation.