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Balochistan Provincial Assembly passes Child Marriages Restraint Act 2025, introduces strict punishments for violators
Sun, November 16, 2025
Peace & Justice Network - PJN happy to share that the #BalochistanAssembly has passed the Balochistan #ChildMarriages Restraint Act, 2025, introducing strictest penalties for those involved in child marriages. Under the new law, an adult male contracting a child marriage—and anyone who facilitates it—will face two to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs200,000.
The law defines a child as any person under the age of 18 and declares all child marriages illegal—and in several circumstances, void ab initio, meaning invalid from the outset. The act overrides all conflicting laws in force across the province and takes effect immediately.
Strong penalties for offenders
Under the act, any adult male contracting a child marriage faces two to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000–200,000.Individuals who perform, arrange, promote, or abet a child marriage face the same punishment.Courts may add an additional three-month imprisonment if fines are not paid.Nikah Khawans, Nikah Registrars, and union council secretaries are now legally required to verify the Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) of both parties before solemnising a marriage. Failure to do so is a criminal offence punishable by up to one year imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs100,000.All offences under the Act are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable—meaning police may act without warrants, bail cannot be granted easily, and cases cannot be settled privately. Only a First-Class Judicial Magistrate can try offences.
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