The Punjab Assembly has approved the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 by majority vote, declaring marriage below the age of 18 a cognisable offence under law.
According to the legislation, any adult above 18 years of age found contracting marriage with a child will face rigorous imprisonment ranging from a minimum of two years to a maximum of three years, along with a fine of up to Rs500,000.
The bill clearly states that “whoever, being an adult above eighteen years of age, contracts a marriage with a child, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to three years but shall not be less than two years and shall also be liable to a fine which may extend to five hundred thousand rupees.”
The law also introduces strict penalties for parents, guardians, or any individuals who facilitate or fail to prevent child marriages. Such persons may face imprisonment of two to three years, in addition to a fine of up to Rs500,000.
It further criminalises any act that promotes, permits, or negligently allows child marriage or child abuse, reinforcing accountability at both family and community levels.
Reacting to the development, Punjab Child Protection Bureau Chairperson Sara Ahmed welcomed the legislation, terming it a “landmark” step aligned with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
She said the law would play a significant role in strengthening child protection mechanisms and ensuring better safeguards for girls and children, adding that awareness campaigns and enforcement measures would be introduced for effective implementation.