Marriage age fixed at 18 years in Punjab: New law passed
Punjab Marriage Age — Punjab Marriage Age Set at 18: New Law Passed — Punjab government passed a new law on minimum marriage age. Gilgit Media is highlighting the full details of the law, its effects and social reactions in this report.
Punjab Marriage Age: Background and Important Points
This report on Punjab Marriage Age provides a detailed overview of important background, relevant facts and its implications for Pakistani readers.
The Punjab government has passed a law to fix the minimum age of marriage at 18 years. This decision is an important step to protect children’s rights and prevent child marriage.
Details of Law
According to the new law, the marriage of a boy or girl under the age of 18 has been declared illegal. Violators will be severely punished including both imprisonment and fine. The law shall apply equally to all religions and sects.
Child Marriage Statistics
According to the report of UNICEF, millions of girls are married at an early age in Pakistan every year. The situation is worse in rural areas where poverty and ignorance are the major causes of early marriage.
Expert Opinion
Child rights experts have welcomed this law. They say that early marriage has negative effects on children’s education, health and mental development. However, experts also said that public awareness campaign is also necessary along with legislation.
Situation in other provinces
Sindh already has this law, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have yet to enact effective legislation against child marriage. The discussion in this regard is also going on in Gilgit-Baltistan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new marriage law of Punjab?
Punjab Assembly has fixed the minimum age of marriage at 18 years. Marriage under this age is a legal offense and may face severe punishment.
What is the purpose of this law?
Prevention of early marriage, encouragement of girl child education and elimination of social evils are the main objectives of this law.
What is the punishment for breaking the law?
The new law carries a penalty of imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years and a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs 500,000. Both the marriage registrar and the parents can be held liable.
