ISLAMABAD: Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s opposition to the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill has drawn significant criticism online.
The bill, which sets the legal minimum marriage age at 18, was signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday. It criminalises marriages involving underage individuals, with violators facing penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
On Saturday, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman announced a nationwide protest against the bill, arguing that it contradicts Islamic teachings and threatens Pakistan’s religious identity. His comments quickly sparked an online debate, with many questioning the opposition to a law aimed at protecting minors.
Critics expressed frustration, pointing out that religious leaders have historically failed to protest against child abuse but have taken a firm stance on child marriage legislation. Some social media users warned that religious conservatives using religion to justify child marriage must be confronted, while others called for counter-protests by progressive segments of society to stand in support of the bill.
Supporters of the law highlighted the significant health, psychological, and social consequences of early marriages, especially for girls. They stressed that defending children’s rights should be a priority, and the new law, which bans underage marriages for both boys and girls, was an essential step in safeguarding children from exploitation.
Under the law, violators face up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs100,000, with harsher penalties for men marrying underage girls, including up to three years of imprisonment. Courts can also protect the identities of individuals reporting such cases.
Despite the law’s intent to protect children, it has met fierce opposition from religious political parties and the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII). The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the CII’s objections, calling them an attempt to block important child protection measures.
Fazl, in his speech, suggested that the bill was driven by foreign agendas, including pressure from the IMF and the UN, and claimed it undermines Pakistan’s Islamic identity. He also criticized the bill for allegedly violating Islamic principles and weakening democratic processes, warning that it could embolden extremist ideologies.
