Summary Lahore High Court ruled marriages involving girls under 18 illegal under Punjab’s 2026 law, ordering investigation and protection for a minor girl.
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Lahore High Court has ruled that marriage of a girl below the age of 18 is illegal under the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 and ordered police to investigate fresh evidence of an alleged child marriage.
Justice Manwar Iqbal Dogar issued the written judgment on a petition filed by citizen Muhammad Aslam, who had approached the court seeking registration of a case against the alleged husband of his minor daughter, Hina Aslam.
During the proceedings, it emerged that Hina was around 15 years old at the time of her nikah. The petitioner said a case concerning his daughter’s alleged abduction had already been registered, but argued that fresh evidence of her underage marriage warranted further legal action against those involved.
The high court set aside the decision of the Justice of Peace rejecting the request for registration of a case and directed police to investigate the new evidence in accordance with the law.
The court ordered that the investigation determine whether a punishable offence had been committed and, if so, proceed against the responsible persons in accordance with the law.
The court also ordered that Hina Aslam be placed in the care of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, directing the relevant authorities to prioritize her safety, welfare and best interests.
The judgment observed that a child’s wishes are important, but due to the child’s young age, those wishes cannot automatically be treated as decisive. The court emphasized that laws against child marriage are primarily intended to protect children’s rights, safety and welfare.
The high court further directed the concerned institutions to take all necessary measures to provide Hina with immediate protection.
The judgment clarified that although the petitioner had already lodged an FIR regarding his daughter’s alleged abduction, a fresh FIR can also be registered if new evidence concerning an underage marriage comes to light.
Assistant Advocate General Anwar Hussain appeared before the court on behalf of the Punjab government.
