Pakistan, Feb. 21 -- Punjab lawmakers have proposed making marriages of boys or girls under 18 a criminal offense. The Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance will be presented in the upcoming Punjab Assembly session. The move aims to protect minors and curb child abuse through strict legal measures.
Under the ordinance, any adult marrying a minor over 18 will face a minimum of two years in prison. Adults involved in child marriages may also be fined up to PKR 500,000. The law seeks to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Parents or guardians arranging child marriages could face two to three years of imprisonment. Remaining with or maintaining relations with the underage spouse after marriage is considered child abuse. Such offenses ca...