Another Pakistani Province Bans Child Marriage: Balochistan Passes Historic Child Marriages Restraint Act 2025. Balochistan has taken a major legislative step toward safeguarding children’s rights by officially banning child marriage across the province. With the passage of the Balochistan Child Marriages Restraint Act 2025, the province now enforces the strictest penalties Pakistan has seen so far for anyone involved in child marriages. This landmark move aligns Balochistan with global child-protection standards and strengthens legal safeguards for minors.
Balochistan Passes Strict Child Marriage Law
The newly approved Child Marriages Restraint Act 2025 clearly defines a child as any person under the age of 18. All marriages involving minors are declared illegal, and several types of such marriages are considered void from the very beginning.
The Act holds legal authority over any conflicting provincial laws and becomes effective immediately after approval.
Punishments for Child Marriage Under the New Act
The law introduces some of the toughest penalties in the country for anyone entering, conducting, arranging, or facilitating a child marriage.
1. Punishment for Adult Men Who Marry a Minor
- Rigorous imprisonment: 2 to 3 years
- Fine: Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 200,000
2. Punishment for Individuals Who Arrange or Facilitate Child Marriage
Anyone who performs, arranges, promotes, or abets such marriages will face:
- 2 to 3 years imprisonment
- Fine: Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 200,000
3. Additional Penalties for Non-Payment of Fine
If an offender fails to pay the fine:
- Extra 3 months of imprisonment may be added by the court.
New Responsibilities for Nikah Khawans and Registrars
The legislation places strict responsibilities on:
- Nikah Khawans
- Nikah Registrars
- Union Council Secretaries
Before solemnising a Nikah, they must verify the CNICs of both individuals to confirm their age.
Failure to Verify Age Will Be Criminalised
If they fail to verify ages:
- Punishment: Up to 1 year imprisonment
- Fine: Up to Rs. 100,000
This makes negligence a punishable criminal act, ensuring no marriage involving minors slips through due to oversight or deliberate facilitation.
Offences Classified as Cognizable, Non-Bailable, and Non-Compoundable
A key highlight of the Act is its legal approach to enforcement.
All offences under this law are:
- Cognizable: Police can arrest without a warrant
- Non-bailable: Bail is restricted
- Non-compoundable: Offenders cannot settle cases privately
This structure empowers authorities to take immediate action, ensuring victims receive timely protection and offenders face strict legal consequences.
Jurisdiction of the Courts
Cases related to child marriage will only be heard by a First Class Judicial Magistrate, ensuring specialized and consistent judicial handling across the province.
Child Marriages Void in High-Risk Circumstances
The Act also declares marriages involving minors void in situations involving:
- Kidnapping
- Trafficking
- Selling or purchasing of minors
- Coercion or force
- Enticement for marriage
- Any immoral purpose
This provision ensures that vulnerable children, especially those targeted for exploitation, receive the highest level of legal protection.
Conclusion
With the introduction of the Balochistan Child Marriages Restraint Act 2025, the province has set a new standard for child protection in Pakistan. The legislation not only criminalizes the act of child marriage but also makes enforcement stronger by empowering authorities, increasing accountability, and introducing severe penalties. This historic move is expected to significantly reduce child marriages and promote safer, healthier futures for children in Balochistan.
