Balochistan imposes minimum sentence of two years for marriage of minor

The Balochistan Assembly has passed the Balochistan Child Marriages Restraint Act, 2025, introducing the strictest punishment for those involved in child marriages. Under the new law, an adult man who enters into a child marriage – and anyone who facilitates that marriage – will be liable to two to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 rupees.

The law defines a child as anyone under the age of 18 and declares all child marriages illegal and, in many circumstances, void ab initio, that is, invalid from the start. The law supersedes all conflicting laws in force in the province and takes effect immediately.

Severe penalties for violators

• Under this law, any adult male who enters into child marriage faces two to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 to 200,000 rupees.
• Persons who perform, organize, promote or encourage child marriage face the same punishment.
• Courts can add an additional three months’ imprisonment if fines are not paid.
• Nikah Khawans, Nikah Registrars and Union Council Secretaries are now legally required to verify the Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC) of both parties before solemnizing a marriage. Failure to do so constitutes a criminal offense punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 100,000.

All offenses under the Act are cognizable, non-bailable and non-combinable, meaning the police can act without a warrant, bail cannot be granted easily and matters cannot be resolved privately. Only a first-rate judicial magistrate can judge offenses.

The law also declares child marriages void if the minor is kidnapped, sold, lured, coerced, or trafficked for marriage or immoral purposes. Children born from such marriages will be considered legitimate and their maintenance will be the responsibility of the father.

Repeal of the 1929 law

The law officially repeals Balochistan’s colonial-era Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, although pending cases under the old law will continue until their conclusion. Under the new legislation, the provincial government must develop detailed rules within six months.

Opposition calls bill ‘un-Islamic’

Opposition MPs tore up copies of the bill as it was tabled, saying it violated Islamic law. Speaking to the media after its passage, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said a majority of the Assembly members supported the bill, reflecting the strength of the democratic process.

He noted that the bill had been considered by the relevant committees of the Assembly over the past six months and was approved by the cabinet before being presented for a vote. “Differences of opinion are an inherent feature of democracy; however, legislation is always passed in the best interest of the public,” Bugti said.

He stressed that the government prioritizes the development of consensus-based laws, ensuring that all draft laws undergo extensive consultations and a transparent process. The Chief Minister reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards the development of Balochistan and the welfare of its citizens.

Opposition leader Younus Aziz Zehri criticized the legislation, reiterating that his party, the JUI-F, would not support any law that he said violated Islamic teachings. After their protest, opposition MPs staged a walkout while chanting slogans against the newly passed bill.