The Islamabad High Court has ruled that child marriages are not automatically invalid in Pakistan, though the people who help arrange them can be punished under the law.
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The case was heard by Justice Muhammad Azam Khan after a man asked for the return of his wife, who was taken away by her family. Records showed a conflict over her age, as the marriage certificate listed her as almost 18, but another document showed she was only 15.
The judge said that according to Islamic principles, a marriage is valid if the person has reached puberty and gives consent. At the same time, he explained that the Islamabad Child Restraint Marriage Act of 2025 makes underage marriages a crime but does not declare them void. The court pointed out that this gap in the law creates confusion.
Justice Khan admitted that early marriages can cause serious problems, including forced pregnancies, loss of education, and violence. He warned that declaring such marriages void could create even more complications, especially regarding children born from them and the rights of spouses.
The court suggested reforms, including training for Nikah registrars, strict age verification through birth certificates, and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of child marriage. It also asked the government to review all related laws and make a clear policy to protect children.
