The Balochistan Assembly took a historic step, by passing the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025, banning all marriages under the age of 18 in the province. This important law aims to protect thousands of children from early and forced marriages, a practice still common in many areas of Balochistan.
Key Provisions of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill:
Any adult male who marries a girl under 18 now faces 2 to 3 years in jail and a fine between Rs100,000 and Rs200,000. Anyone performing, arranging, or promoting child marriages also faces the same punishment. Officials like Nikah Khawans and registrars must check the Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) of both parties and can be punished for failing to do so. The law declares child marriages illegal and void, especially if a minor is forced, trafficked, or sold for marriage. Police can arrest offenders without warrants, and bail will be hard to get. Only a First Class Judicial Magistrate can try these cases.
Why This Matters:
Child marriage is a big problem in Balochistan. According to recent data, around 10.3% of girls under 15 are married in districts like Kech. In Kech, 31.8% of girls marry before the age of 18. Other districts with high child marriage rates include Harnai (9.7% under 15), Awaran (9.3%), and Washuk (8.8%). Overall, 12 districts in Balochistan have over 20% of under age 18 girls married.
Political Reactions:
The bill passed despite strong protests from opposition members like Younus Zehri, who claimed it contradicts with Islamic teachings. Zehri even tore copies of the bill in protest and vowed to challenge it in court. However, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti defended the legislation, saying it aligns with the Shariat Court’s judgment and stresses the protection of children’s rights and welfare. The session, chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, ended with heated debate but successful passage of the bill.
Significance of the Legislation:
This law is a major victory for child rights in Balochistan and shows Pakistan’s growing commitment to ending child marriages. It not only criminalizes child marriage but also holds accountable those who promote or carry out this practice. With child marriage linked to dropping out of school, health risks, and poverty, this law offers hope for a safer, healthier future for many children in the province.
The new law replaces the outdated 1929 Child Marriage Restraint Act and signals a strong government stance to protect young lives and promote education and health for all children in Balochistan.
