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Legislative bills

Landmark Legislation: Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025 Signed into Law

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The signing of the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025, into law by President Asif Ali Zardari marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's legislative journey towards protecting the rights of children, particularly girls. The bill, which prohibits child marriages under the age of 18 in Islamabad, was a long-standing commitment of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025, was signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari, marking a major victory for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and a significant step towards protecting the rights of children in Pakistan.
  • The bill prohibits child marriages under the age of 18 in Islamabad, bringing Pakistan's legal framework in line with its international commitments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Senator Sherry Rehman hailed the bill as a landmark moment in Pakistan's legislative history, emphasizing that it reflects the PPP's long-standing commitment to championing children's rights.
  • The bill aims to protect young girls from exploitation and trauma, citing the UNFPA Annual Report 2024, which highlights the alarming rate of maternal mortality in Pakistan, with every 50 minutes, a woman dying from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications.
  • The bill's passage into law has been welcomed by PPP lawmakers, including Dr. Sharmila Faruqui, who acknowledged President Zardari's leadership and commitment to progressive reforms.
  • Senator Sherry Rehman emphasized that the bill is not just a piece of legislation but a reflection of the PPP's unwavering commitment to protecting children's rights, citing the party's leader, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's vision for empowering women and children.

Statistics:

  • Every 50 minutes, a woman in Pakistan dies from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth (UNFPA Annual Report 2024).
  • A person under the age of 18 is not even granted a driving license, making it illogical to permit them to get married (Senator Sherry Rehman).
  • The bill aims to bring Pakistan's legal framework in line with its international commitments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • The bill is a tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's legacy of championing women's empowerment and children's rights, shaping Pakistan's path forward (Dr. Sharmila Faruqui).

Sources:

  • "Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025" signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari (as per the text).
  • UNFPA Annual Report 2024 (cited by Senator Sherry Rehman).

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