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Legislative bills

Pakistan Passes Landmark Legislation to Prohibit Child Marriages

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

President Asif Ali Zardari's signing of the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill on Friday marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's legislative efforts to protect children's rights and eliminate underage marriages in the capital territory. The bill, which was introduced in the National Assembly by PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqi, aims to prohibit marriages involving children under 18 years of age and was passed with opposition from religious groups, including the Council of Islamic Ideology. The signing of the bill reflects a commitment to ensuring girls' access to education, health, and a better life, and is hailed as a victory for the rights of women and children.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari, prohibits marriages involving children under 18 years of age.
  • The bill was introduced in the National Assembly by PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqi and passed with opposition from the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).
  • PPP Senator Sherry Rehman described the signing of the bill as a significant milestone in Pakistan's legislative reforms against child marriages.
  • The CII, with members from various sects, including JUI-F, opposed the bill, arguing it contradicts Islamic teachings and societal traditions.
  • PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqi rejected framing the issue in religious terms, emphasizing it as a human rights matter.
  • The bill reflects a commitment to ensuring girls' access to education, health, and a better life, as highlighted by Senator Sherry Rehman.
  • Senator Rehman urged other provinces to adopt similar legislation and thanked party leaders, opposition representatives, and the public for supporting the bill.

Statistics:

  • The bill aims to protect children's rights and eventually eliminate underage marriages in the capital territory.
  • According to stats, the majority of the population supports the bill as a positive step against child marriages.
  • The signing of the bill is considered a victory for women's rights and human rights advocates in Pakistan.
  • The bill specifically addresses the issue of girls under 18 years of age who lack other legal rights, such as voting and obtaining identity cards.

Sources:

  • Senator Sherry Rehman (PPP Senator and spokesperson for the bill)
  • Maulana Jalaludin (CII member)
  • Sharmila Faruqi (PPP MNA who introduced the bill in the National Assembly)
  • Press Release: Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill (May 27)

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