Punjab Moves to Criminalise Under-18 Marriages Through New Ordinance

The Punjab government is preparing to introduce an ordinance aimed at criminalising marriages involving individuals under the age of 18. The proposed legislation is expected to be tabled in the next session of the Punjab Assembly.

Under the draft ordinance, adults who marry minors could face up to two years in prison. The measure is designed to address the issue of child marriage in the province and to strengthen legal deterrents against the practice.

In addition to penalising adults who marry minors, the ordinance also targets parents who facilitate or aid in arranging such marriages. According to details, parents found guilty of assisting in child marriage could be sentenced to up to three years in jail.

The ordinance will be formally presented for consideration in the upcoming session of the provincial assembly, but no specific date has been provided.