The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Local Government and Community Development has approved a bill setting 18 years as the minimum legal age of marriage for both boys and girls across the province.
The committee unanimously passed the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, removing the earlier provision that allowed girls to marry at the age of 16.
Under the proposed law, child marriage has been declared a cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable offence, enabling immediate police action and preventing out-of-court settlements.
The bill states that anyone involved in facilitating child marriage, including the adult spouse, parents or guardians, Nikah registrars or other facilitators, may face up to seven years in prison along with a fine of up to Rs. 1 million.
It also classifies cohabitation following such marriages as child abuse, carrying stricter penalties, and directs courts to decide related cases within 90 days.
During the meeting, the committee directed the secretary of local government to finalize draft rules under the bill and present them within 60 days for approval.
The committee said the legislation is aimed at curbing child marriages, addressing gender disparity and strengthening legal protections for children in Punjab.
The meeting was held at the Punjab Assembly under the chairmanship of MPA Muhammad Ashraf Rasool, and was attended by the provincial minister for local government and officials from relevant departments.