Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025
Date:
UN Women Pakistan commends the National Assembly and Senate of Pakistan for the historic passage of the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025. This significant legislation, tabled in the National Assembly by Member of National Assembly (MNA) Dr. Sharmila Faruqui establishes 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage for girls. It marks a landmark advancement in safeguarding children's rights and promoting gender equality in Pakistan.
The bill's passage shows Pakistan's dedication to ending child marriage and protecting girls' health, education, and future. We commend Dr. Sharmila Faruqui, Senator Sherry Rehman, and all supportive lawmakers for ensuring a safer, just future for the country's children.
Looking ahead, implementation will be crucial. UN Women calls on the Government of Pakistan to establish effective enforcement mechanisms, conduct extensive public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the new law, and strive to harmonize similar protections across all remaining provinces. These measures are vital to ensure that every girl in Pakistan, irrespective of her location, is safeguarded from child marriage.
UN Women remains committed to working alongside the Government and its partners to ensure the effective implementation of this vital legislation-so that every girl can enjoy her right to a safe childhood and a promising future, with no one left behind.
— Jamshed Kazi, UN Women Country Representative, Pakistan