In a landmark move to protect children, especially girls, from forced marriages, a provincial assembly in Pakistan on Nov. 14 passed the Child Marriage Prohibition Bill.
The Balochistan Child Marriages Restraint Act 2025 sets 18 as the legal age for marriage in Balochistan Province and introduces stern penalties for those involved in child marriages. The provincial governor is expected to sign the legislation into law this week.
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Under the legislation, an adult male contracting a child marriage, and anyone who facilitates it, will face two to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 Pakistani rupees ($353 USD to $707 USD). Courts may add an additional three-month imprisonment if fines are not paid.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and published by Morning Star News.
