The Punjab Assembly has approved the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 by a majority vote, establishing marriage under the age of 18 as a cognisable offence. The new law imposes stringent penalties on adults involved in marrying children, including rigorous imprisonment for up to three years and fines up to Rs500,000.
The bill specifies that any adult over 18 who contracts a marriage with a minor shall face imprisonment ranging from two to three years, along with a fine that may reach half a million rupees. This legislation aims to deter child marriages by holding adults accountable for such unions.
In a significant development, the law also targets parents or guardians who facilitate or allow underage marriages. Those found promoting, permitting, or negligently failing to prevent child marriages will be subject to rigorous imprisonment for two to three years and fines up to Rs500,000.
Punjab Child Protection Bureau Chairperson Sara Ahmed praised the legislation, highlighting that it aligns with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. She described the bill as a landmark step towards safeguarding children, particularly girls, and expressed optimism that it will foster positive social change.
Meanwhile, the government plans to introduce special awareness campaigns and enforcement strategies to ensure the law’s effective implementation and curb the prevalence of child marriages in the province.
