On April 27, the Punjab Provincial Assembly took a historic step by approving the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026. The new law sets 18 as the minimum marriage age for both boys and girls, replacing the outdated 1929 law that allowed girls to marry at 16. For the Christian community and other religious minorities in Pakistan, this measure is a significant victory in the fight against sexual exploitation and forced marriages disguised as religious conversion.
The bill was passed after intense debates between government and opposition lawmakers. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman presented the bill, which had already been approved by the Standing Committee on Local Government and Community Development on April 13. Now, the law only awaits the signature of Punjab Governor Saleem Haider Khan to take effect.
Human rights advocates, especially those working for minorities, celebrated the approval. For many, this law is a crucial tool to protect vulnerable girls from abuses that often involve kidnapping, rape, and forced marriage followed by religious conversion. As Christians, we are called to defend the little ones and the oppressed, and this achievement echoes the cry for justice found in Scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Protecting the Vulnerable?
God's Word repeatedly urges us to care for orphans, widows, and foreigners—groups especially vulnerable in any society. In Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV), we read: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." This passage reminds us that our faith cannot be neutral in the face of injustice. Child marriage is a grave violation of human rights and an assault on the dignity God gives every child.
Moreover, Jesus taught us to welcome children in his name (Matthew 18:5) and issued a stern warning against those who cause them to stumble (Matthew 18:6). The new law in Punjab is a concrete step to prevent girls from being forced into marriages that rob them of childhood, education, and freedom. As followers of Christ, we must support measures that protect the most vulnerable, regardless of their faith.
Details of the New Law and Its Impact
The Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 sets 18 as the legal minimum marriage age, aligning the province with Sindh, Balochistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory. The only province without similar legislation is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The law also replaces archaic provisions that allowed girls to marry at 16 and boys at 18.
One of the most important points is the unanimously approved amendment proposed by Christian legislator Ejaz Alam Augustine and co-sponsored by members from different parties. The amendment mandates that the "best interests of the child" be the primary consideration in all legal proceedings, including investigation, bail, sentencing, and custody. Furthermore, the law clarifies that a child involved in a marriage cannot be treated as a criminal, and that any alleged consent from a minor, especially in cases of coercion or kidnapping, will not be considered decisive in custody or protection decisions.
This child-centered approach is crucial to ensure victims are not re-victimized by the judicial system. The law also faced strong opposition from some lawmakers who argued it conflicted with Islamic principles and social norms. However, the assembly rejected a motion to send the bill back to committee, demonstrating that child protection must override cultural or religious interpretations that justify abuse.
As Christians, we remember Jesus' words: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). This law is a step toward a world where children can grow up safe and free, and where faith is not used as an excuse for oppression. Let us pray for the girls of Pakistan and support every effort that promotes their dignity and well-being.
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