A key committee of Pakistan’s Punjab Province Assembly on Monday (April 13) reportedly approved legislation that would help protect Christian and other minority-religion girls targeted for forced conversion and illegal marriage.
The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Local Government and Community Development approved the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 despite objections from some members, including its chairperson, according to media reports. Punjab Gov. Sardar Saleem Haider promulgated the ordinance on Feb. 11, putting it into force for 90 days, and without parliamentary approval it is set to lapse in May.
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The committee, chaired by Pir Ashraf Rasool, reviewed the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026, and following its endorsement, the draft bill has been referred to the provincial local government secretary to finalize implementation rules. It will subsequently be presented before the Punjab Assembly for approval.
The proposed law aims to curb underage marriages, eliminate gender-based disparities and strengthen child protection mechanisms in the province, committee members said during deliberations.
Opposition
Rasool and committee member Zulfiqar Shah, however, opposed the bill, arguing that it contravenes constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
In a written submission, Rasool contended the legislation conflicts with provisions allowing citizens to freely practice their religion. He also maintained that, under Islamic jurisprudence, marriage is permissible upon reaching puberty and called for exceptions to be included in the law, citing socio-economic pressures on low-income families.
“Poor parents often marry their daughters early due to lack of resources and concerns about their safety,” Rasool told Dawn newspaper.
Other committee members rejected the proposed exceptions, warning that such provisions could open the door to abuse and undermine the law’s intent. Rasool said he intends to challenge the bill in the assembly by introducing amendments.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by Christian-Daily International/Morning Star News.
