ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly on Friday passed a landmark bill prohibiting child marriages within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), criminalising the marriage of any individual below the age of 18.
The legislation stipulates strict punishments for violators, including parents, guardians, clerics and marriage registrars.
Under the bill, the registration of a marriage involving persons under 18 years of age has been declared a criminal offence. Nikah registrars will now be legally bound not to register such marriages.
The law requires that any person solemnising a nikah must verify the presence of computerised national identity cards (CNICs) of both parties prior to registration or performance of the marriage ceremony.
Failing to verify such documentation or proceeding with the solemnisation or registration of an underage marriage will result in up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of Rs100,000, or both.
The bill also classifies the marriage of a girl under 18 to an adult male as a punishable criminal offence, with rigorous imprisonment ranging from a minimum of two years to a maximum of three years, along with a fine.
Moreover, any sexual relations resulting from a marriage involving a minor, whether with or without consent, will be deemed statutory rape. Anyone who coerces, entices, or forces a minor bride or groom into marriage will also be legally treated as a perpetrator of sexual assault, according to the bill.
Facilitating such marriages is now punishable with five to seven years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs1 million, or both.
Moreover, individuals who employ, shelter, or take custody of a child to facilitate a marriage will be liable to three years in prison along with a fine.
