Pakistan Top Bishop Hails Ban on Child Marriages in Balochistan as Landmark Legislative Victory

The President of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Samson Shukardin OFM, has welcomed the new law passed in the Province of Balochistan to ban child marriages, calling it a historic decision for the protection of children and a major step in strengthening child rights in the province.

“I appreciate the leadership and members of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan for passing this bill to protect children from early marriages. This law will especially benefit girls, who are often forced into child or teenage marriages due to cultural practices. The new law brings hope for children and will strengthen child rights across the country,” Bishop Shukardin said.

Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, the Bishop, who also heads the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace in Pakistan, added: “This was a long-awaited decision for the protection of minors. The provincial government has marked a milestone in safeguarding the future of children. It is our prime responsibility to ensure basic rights for every person, especially girls, who are most affected by child marriages. Early marriages deprive them of education, health, knowledge, and awareness.”

Emphasizing education as a basic right, Bishop Shukardin said, “In this modern era, we must do everything possible to educate our children. The more educated and successful they are, the stronger our society will become. Their success is the success of our country.”

The new bill, titled “The Balochistan Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025,” introduces strict punishments for adults marrying children and for those solemnizing child marriages. The law defines anyone under the age of 18 as a child and declares all child marriages in the province illegal.

Under the law, adults marrying minors face two to three years of rigorous imprisonment and fines ranging from PKR 100,000 to 200,000 (USD 350–700), with an additional three months of imprisonment if fines are not paid. The same penalties apply to anyone involved in arranging, promoting, performing, or assisting a child marriage.

The law also requires clerics and marriage registrars to verify the Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) of both parties before solemnizing a marriage. Any negligence can result in up to one year of imprisonment and fines up to PKR 100,000 (approx. USD 350).

Joel Bastian, Diocesan Coordinator of the National Commission of Justice and Peace, told Radio Veritas Asia: “The Balochistan Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025 is a major legislative victory for child rights in Balochistan. This law will safeguard the rights of children, particularly girls, in the province.”

He further noted, “There were challenges to the law from various tribal groups and sects, which were overcome by the provincial government and human rights organizations. Balochistan is now the second province in Pakistan to pass a child marriage restraint act, following Sindh. The federal capital, Islamabad, also passed a similar act earlier this year in July.”

Joel Bastian added, “This law repeals the outdated Child Marriage Act of 1929, under which the minimum marriage age was 14 for girls and 18 for boys.”