ISLAMABAD – President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday signed into law the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025, formally criminalizing child marriages within the federal territory. The move marks a major legislative milestone in protecting children’s rights—particularly those of underage girls—despite opposition from the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).
Bill Passed Despite Religious Council Objection
The bill, which sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 years, had earlier been passed by both the National Assembly and Senate. It was moved by MNA Sharmila Farooqi in the lower house and by Senator Sherry Rehman in the upper house.
However, the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) rejected the bill following its approval in Parliament, labeling it “un-Islamic.” Despite this resistance, the bill received presidential assent, making it enforceable law in Islamabad.
Sherry Rehman Hails ‘Landmark Moment’
Vice President of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Senate parliamentary leader Senator Sherry Rehman praised the new law as a “historic achievement” in Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard children.
“This is a milestone in Pakistan’s long and difficult journey toward protecting the rights of children, especially girls,” Rehman said. She credited President Zardari for his resolve in pushing through meaningful reform despite opposition, and acknowledged the PPP’s longstanding role in championing this legislation.
“This was a PPP-led initiative, first introduced in the Senate by Senator Sehar Kamran and carried forward in the National Assembly by MNA Sharmila Farooqi,” Rehman noted. “I also want to thank Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his unwavering support for progressive reform.”
A Response to the Crisis of Underage Marriages
Senator Rehman described the legislation as a critical tool to fight systemic abuse. “Girls under 18, when married off, face significantly higher health risks, including death during childbirth. We cannot continue to ignore these silent funerals.”
Citing the UNFPA Annual Report 2024, she pointed out that a woman dies every 50 minutes in Pakistan due to pregnancy or childbirth-related complications—many of which stem from underage pregnancies. “These girls lack control over their nutrition, healthcare, or their children’s future. This law addresses that injustice.”
The Inconsistency in Age-Based Laws
Senator Rehman also highlighted inconsistencies in existing legal frameworks: “We don’t grant driving licenses to those under 18. The Juvenile Justice System Act defines a juvenile as someone below 18 years of age. Then how can such individuals be considered old enough for marriage?”
A Matter of Public Health and National Shame
The senator drew attention to Pakistan’s alarming public health indicators. “Pakistan has the second-highest infant mortality rate in Asia at 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, and over 40% of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition. These are often children of very young mothers with no access to education or healthcare.”
She concluded with a strong call to action: “This is not just legislation; it is a fight against systemic abuse. We cannot let cultural silence perpetuate injustice any longer.”
