The United Nations Population Fund has applauded the Government of Punjab for the passage of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening child protection and safeguarding the rights of young girls.
The bill, which sets the minimum legal age of marriage at 18 years for both males and females, was approved by the Punjab Assembly during a session chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. It had earlier been promulgated as an ordinance on the initiative of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and subsequently placed before the Assembly for approval.
In a letter addressed to the provincial leadership, UNFPA appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, and Chairperson Child Protection & Welfare Bureau Sarah Ahmad for their effective role in advancing the legislation. The organisation termed the development a reflection of sustained political commitment toward addressing child marriage and its wide-ranging social and economic consequences.
During the Assembly proceedings, Sarah Ahmad spoke in support of the bill, highlighting the serious health and social risks associated with early marriages. She pointed out that marriages at a young age often lead to early pregnancies, which significantly increase health risks for girls, including complications during childbirth and higher maternal mortality rates.
She further noted that such cases are particularly prevalent in rural areas, where a significant number of girls are still married below the age of 18. According to her, early marriage not only affects the physical and mental well-being of girls but also disrupts their education, leading to high dropout rates among school-going girls. She stressed that lack of education among girls has long-term consequences for society, as it limits their ability to contribute meaningfully to economic and social development. She observed that when girls are not educated, it also impacts the upbringing and well-being of future generations, making education a critical component of national progress.
The Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 introduces stricter penalties to deter violations. Any adult entering into marriage with a minor, as well as parents or guardians facilitating such marriages, may face imprisonment of two to three years along with a fine of up to Rs500,000.
Officials said the legislation is part of broader efforts to align provincial laws with evolving child protection standards and to address long-standing gaps in enforcement. While welcoming the development, observers emphasised that effective implementation, public awareness, and coordination among relevant institutions would be essential to ensure that the law translates into meaningful change on the ground.