Balochistan bans child marriages

QUETTA: The Balochistan Child Marriages Restraint Act 2025, which is a comprehensive law imposing the province’s highest penalties ever against all parties to child marriages, was approved by the Balochistan Assembly.

The act defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years and makes all marriages with children illegal, categorizing some of them void ab initio. The act supersedes all other laws that are in conflict with it in the province and comes into effect immediately.

Under the new law, any adult male who enters into a child marriage can receive two to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 200,000. Anyone who performs, arranges, promotes, or abets such a marriage faces the same punishment.

Besides, a court can add three months of imprisonment in case the offenders fail to pay the fine. The act creates new legal obligations for Nikah Khawans, Nikah Registrars, and union council secretaries: They must verify the CNICs of both parties before solemnising a marriage.

Failure to verify ages is now a criminal offence punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to Rs. 100,000. All offences under the act are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. This authorises police to take action without warrants, restricts the availability of bail, and prevents private settlements.

Only a First Class Judicial Magistrate can take up cases under the act. The act also declares child marriages void in cases where the minor is kidnapped, sold, coerced, trafficked, or enticed for marriage or other immoral purposes.

Children born from such unions will be deemed legitimate, and the father shall be liable for their maintenance.