LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Government of Punjab has introduced a new Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance, declaring marriage of any boy or girl under the age of 18 a punishable offense across the province.
Under the ordinance, a Nikah registrar who registers the marriage of an underage boy or girl will face up to one year in prison along with a fine of Rs100,000.
Any adult above 18 who marries an underage girl will be subject to a minimum two-year jail term, while those involved in facilitating such marriages may face fines of up to Rs500,000.
The new law further classifies cohabitation or marital relations with a minor after marriage as child abuse. This offense carries a prison sentence of five to seven years and a minimum fine of Rs1 million.
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Additionally, taking a minor outside Punjab for the purpose of marriage will be treated as child trafficking, punishable by five to seven years in jail and a fine of up to Rs1 million. Parents or guardians found responsible for arranging underage marriages may face two to three years of imprisonment.
The Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance will soon be presented in the Punjab Assembly for approval.