Pakistan, May 17 -- In a major move, the National Assembly passed a bill to ban child marriages in Islamabad. The bill, introduced by MNA Sharmila Faruqui, was approved unanimously. It was not on the original agenda but was taken up by suspending regular rules. Once it becomes law, the bill will apply only to Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Only a district and sessions court can hear such cases.

The bill clearly states that no one under 18 can get married. It also says that no Nikah registrar can register such a marriage. Both parties must have valid CNICs showing their date of birth. Anyone who breaks this law can face up to one year in jail, a fine of Rs100,000, or both. If the person proves they thought it wasn't a child marriage, ...