Lahore: The Punjab Assembly has passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, setting 18 years as the minimum legal age for marriage for both males and females and declaring underage marriage a non-bailable offence. The legislation marks a significant legal development and fulfils a long-standing demand of religious minorities, particularly Christian and Hindu communities, who have consistently called for stronger protections against child marriages.

The bill was presented by Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman and sparked initial controversy when copies were not immediately provided to lawmakers. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari raised concerns over transparency, calling the situation “unprecedented” and stressing the importance of informed legislative debate. Following her objection, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan directed that copies be distributed to all members.

During the debate, Bokhari emphasized the importance of both mental and physical maturity before marriage and opposed suggestions allowing under-18 marriages with court approval. Lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches engaged in extensive discussions before passing the bill by majority vote.

An important amendment, introduced by PML-N lawmaker Ejaz Augustine and supported across party lines, ensures that the “best interests of the child” remain central in all legal proceedings related to child marriage. It also clarifies that a minor’s consent cannot override concerns regarding coercion, abduction, or exploitation.

Christian leadership has welcomed the bill, expressing hope that it will help curb the growing cases of forced marriages and forced religious conversions of minor Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan.

Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK, has welcomed the passage of the bill, describing it as a “positive and much-needed step forward.” He noted that while the legislation is encouraging, it may not completely eliminate the persistent issue of forced conversions and forced marriages of minor Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan.

He cautioned that the real impact of the law will depend heavily on how it is interpreted and implemented by law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, particularly in light of recent legal interpretations in cases such as the Maria Shahbaz ruling.

“Despite these concerns, I remain optimistic,” Saeed said. “This law has the potential to provide stronger legal protection and could help reduce such cases to some extent. We must remain hopeful and ensure proper implementation so that vulnerable girls and their families can finally receive justice.”

Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK, has welcomed the passage of the bill, describing it as a “positive and much-needed step forward.” He noted that while the legislation is encouraging, it may not completely eliminate the persistent issue of forced conversions and forced marriages of minor Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan.

In a separate statement, Christian journalist Naeem Qaiser raised concerns over the absence of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the passage of the bill, questioning why such an important legislative moment did not have her presence in the assembly.