Civil society seeks PA’s backing to Punjab Child Marriage Ordinance

2026-02-17 - 01:06

Civil society organizations, human rights activists, and child rights advocates have welcomed the promulgation of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026, describing it as a historic and long-overdue step toward safeguarding children’s rights in the province. However, they have stressed that the ordinance must be formally enacted by the Provincial Assembly to ensure its permanence and democratic legitimacy. Among the organizations appreciating the move is AwazCDS Pakistan, which termed the ordinance a significant milestone. For the first time in Punjab, the law sets eighteen years as the minimum legal age for marriage for both boys and girls, creating a uniform standard and eliminating the long-standing gender disparity in age requirements. Child rights advocates say this alignment with national and international commitments marks a progressive shift in policy, potentially strengthening protection mechanisms against early and forced marriages. They argue that establishing eighteen as the minimum marriageable age is crucial to ensuring children’s access to education, health, and protection from exploitation. Despite welcoming the reform, AwazCDS Pakistan expressed reservations about the manner in which the ordinance was introduced. Ordinances are temporary legal instruments, typically valid for six months, and are issued when legislative assemblies are not in session to address urgent matters. “Although this Ordinance is an important step for child protection, bypassing the legislative process weakens democratic governance,” said Mr. Ziaur Rehman, Chief Executive of AwazCDS Pakistan. “Laws of such importance should be passed in the Provincial Assembly to ensure they are permanent, legitimate.