QUETTA (Dunya News) - The Balochistan Assembly on Friday passed the ‘Balochistan Child Marriage Prohibition Bill’ by a majority vote, marking a significant step toward curbing underage marriages in the province.
The bill was moved by Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar during a session chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai.
The bill, however, faced strong resistance from the opposition lawmakers, who labelled it “un-Islamic” and claimed that it had been drafted in haste.
Several opposition MPAs protested vigorously on the floor, using derogatory language and tearing up copies of the bill.
Leader of the opposition Younus Zahri declared that the opposition would take the matter to court, arguing that the legislation was “inappropriate” and violated cultural and religious values.
Despite the uproar, the House passed the bill with a clear majority.
Speaking on floor of the House, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti defended the government’s position, noting that similar laws had already been enacted by the National Assembly and other provincial assemblies.
He said that the government respected the opposition’s views but stressed that legislation was its constitutional prerogative.
The session was later adjourned to meet again on Monday.