The Government of Punjab has enacted the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026, establishing 18 years as the minimum legal age of marriage for girls and strengthening accountability mechanisms for enforcement. The ordinance introduces strict penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and non-bailable offences, while mandating CNIC verification and ensuring the responsibility of marriage registrars.

PODA’s advocacy for this law included 1,134 activities over three years across all 41 districts of Punjab under the project “Reduce Early Marriages to Enhance Gender Equality,” with the support of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Pakistan. PODA provided training to 43,835 beneficiaries, including Nikah Khawans/Nikah Registrars, Teachers, Lady Health Workers, and other stakeholders