Murree 19th May, 2025: Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy (PODA) organized a training session on Reduce Early Marriages with reference to Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2015 to Nikah Registrar / Nikah Khawan at Local Government Office Murre. 25 participants including Nikah Registrar, Staff Local Government Office and Secretary Union Council, Rawat attended this meeting.
During training, Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2015 was discussed thoroughly and it is emphasize that violation of law is punishable offense and no marriage can be solemnized without CNIC or any legal birth certificate. Columns of Nikah Nama must be fill with the consent of parties. Participants agreed that no Nikah will be performed before the age of 18 years as per directions of Lahore High Court and it is also important to note that as per article 25 of the constitution state is duty bound to provide each and every child education till the age of 16.
Analysis of the marriageable ages in other Islamic Countries is also discussed. Recent enactment in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) about child marriage is briefed with addition to Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 and Federal Shariat Court Judgment, it is agreed that this uniformity of law is necessary in this country and the minimum marriageable age of girl should be 18 years.
