Punjab Imposes Strict Ban on Child Marriage: Governor Promulgates Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026
Lahore, February 12, 2026 — Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has promulgated the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026, immediately banning child marriages across the province and setting the minimum legal age of marriage at 18 years for both males and females. The ordinance repeals the outdated Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 and…
Lahore, February 12, 2026 — Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has promulgated the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026, immediately banning child marriages across the province and setting the minimum legal age of marriage at 18 years for both males and females. The ordinance repeals the outdated Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 and takes effect forthwith.
Key provisions include:
Minimum marriage age of 18 years for both bride and groom (previously 18 for males and 16 for females).
Child marriage declared a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offence.
Offenders face up to 7 years imprisonment and fines up to Rs1 million.
Nikah registrars (nikah khawans) performing child marriages face 1 year imprisonment and Rs100,000 fine.
Person marrying a child faces 3 years imprisonment and Rs500,000 fine.
Guardians/parents attempting child marriage face 2 years imprisonment.
Arranging child marriage in another province carries 7 years imprisonment and Rs1 million fine.
Authorities granted special powers to prevent and stop such marriages; parents, registrars, and facilitators are all accountable.
Promulgated under Article 128(1) of the Constitution while the Punjab Assembly is not in session, the ordinance awaits formal approval in the next assembly session. Civil society groups, child rights organizations, and international bodies like UNICEF have welcomed the move as a major advancement in child protection and gender equality in Pakistan’s most populous province.
