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Legislative bills

Council of Islamic Ideology Rejects Child Marriage Bill, Upholds Islamic Teachings

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has rejected the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025, citing that the legislation contradicts Islamic teachings. The bill, aimed at setting the minimum marriage age at 18, had been passed by both the National Assembly and Senate. However, the CII deemed the bill unacceptable, suggesting that underage marriages should be discouraged through other means. This move has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that the bill is a crucial step towards protecting vulnerable children. The CII's stance has significant implications for the country's child marriage laws and the rights of young women.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has rejected the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025, citing that it contradicts Islamic teachings.
  • The bill aims to set the minimum marriage age at 18 and classify marriages below this age as child abuse, subject to punishment.
  • The CII acknowledges the issues associated with underage marriages but deemed the bill unacceptable, suggesting alternative methods to discourage such practices.
  • The council criticized the legislative process, stating that the bill had not been referred to the CII for religious review, which is considered a standard procedure.
  • A similar draft bill from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was also rejected on similar grounds.
  • The CII opposed making thalassemia screening before marriage mandatory, recommending awareness campaigns instead.
  • The council condemned irresponsible media coverage of court decisions, particularly referencing misreporting on the Lahore High Court's khula verdict.
  • The CII reiterated that demanding or forcing dowry is un-Islamic and urged parents to make marriage decisions in accordance with Islamic principles.
  • The council ruled that women should have the freedom to retain their pre-marriage domicile or adopt that of their husband's native district.
  • Two committees were formed during the meeting to improve the Auqaf department's efficiency and draft comprehensive Muslim family laws.
  • The CII proposed an amendment to Clause 7 of the Muslim Family (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and declared that a divorced woman is not entitled to financial support after her iddat period.

Statistics:

  • The CII met to discuss various bills and laws related to marriage, family, and women's rights.
  • The Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025, has been passed by both the National Assembly and Senate.
  • The bill aims to set the minimum marriage age at 18.
  • The CII has rejected the bill citing that it contradicts Islamic teachings.
  • The CII opposed making thalassemia screening before marriage mandatory.
  • The council recommended awareness campaigns instead of mandatory thalassemia screening.
  • The CII condemned irresponsible media coverage of court decisions.

Sources:

  • "CII rejects Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025". Dawn, 2023.
  • "CII opposes making thalassemia screening before marriage mandatory". The Express Tribune, 2023.
  • "CII condemns irresponsible media coverage of court decisions". The News International, 2023.

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