ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has announced plans to challenge the newly enacted Child Marriage Restraint Act, which sets the legal minimum age for marriage at 18.
In a statement, the party’s spokesperson labeled the law “un-Islamic,” echoing the stance of the Islamic Ideological Council, which earlier rejected the bill as incompatible with Islamic teachings.
The spokesperson also criticized President Asif Ali Zardari for signing the bill into law “in undue haste,” suggesting that the government’s rapid action raises suspicions about its underlying intentions.
The legislation, passed by both houses of Parliament and signed into law by the president earlier today, was introduced by Sharmila Farooqi in the National Assembly and Sherry Rehman in the Senate. The law imposes strict penalties aimed at curbing child marriage and safeguarding minors.
Under the new law:
- Marriage officiants conducting ceremonies involving anyone under 18 can face up to one year in prison and a fine of PKR 100,000.
- Men over 18 who marry girls under 18 may receive up to three years of rigorous imprisonment.
- Forcing a child into marriage is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of PKR 1 million.
- Facilitating or trafficking minors for marriage is now a non-bailable offense, carrying up to seven years in jail.
- Aiding or abetting child marriage can result in up to three years’ imprisonment and fines.
The law also mandates that all related cases be resolved within 90 days and classifies cohabitation with a minor as a form of abuse. Authorities are required to intervene if they become aware of any planned child marriage.
Despite these provisions, the JUI-F and the Islamic Ideological Council remain opposed, claiming the law contradicts religious principles and disregards traditional norms.
