Punjab Child Marriage Ordinance Challenged in Federal Shariat Court

A petition has been filed in the Federal Shariat Court challenging the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026, which sets 18 years as the minimum age for marriage in the province.

The petition was filed by Mufti Muhammad Aslam through his counsel. The Punjab governor, through the provincial secretary, and other relevant authorities have been named as respondents.

According to the petition, several provisions of the ordinance, including Sections 2(c), 2(d), 3 and related clauses, are contrary to Islamic injunctions and constitutional protections. The petitioner has asked the court to declare the challenged provisions void.

The Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026 bars the solemnisation and registration of marriages involving anyone below the age of 18. It also places legal responsibility on Nikah registrars and others involved in arranging or facilitating such marriages.

Under the ordinance, an adult who contracts marriage with a child may face rigorous imprisonment and a fine. The law also provides penalties for those who solemnise, promote, permit or fail to prevent a child marriage.

The petition argues that the law unlawfully restricts marriage by fixing 18 years as the minimum age and seeks a ruling from the Federal Shariat Court on whether the ordinance conforms to Islamic principles.

The case is expected to add to the wider legal and religious debate in Pakistan over child marriage laws, provincial child protection measures and the role of courts in reviewing legislation under Islamic injunctions.