“Young girls are married off like cattle at an early age, and many of them die during childbirth,” said Uzma Bukhari, a member of the Punjab Assembly. Her words echo a troubling reality in Punjab, where child marriage remains prevalent. The Punjab Assembly’s recent passage of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 is a significant legislative step against this practice.
The new law raises the legal age of marriage from 16 to 18. It aims to protect young girls from early marriages, which can lead to severe health risks and limit their opportunities. The bill sets a minimum legal age for both boys and girls, reflecting a commitment to women’s rights in the province.
Prior to this legislation, the office of the provincial ombudsperson for women in Punjab has been vacant since May 2025. This absence has contributed to a backlog of over 1,000 workplace harassment cases and more than 4,000 pending inheritance claims. These issues highlight ongoing challenges for women seeking justice and equality.
The Punjab Enforcement of Women Property Rights Act 2021 was enacted earlier to address women’s inheritance rights under Islamic law. However, many cases remain unresolved—more than 10,000 inheritance cases were filed between 2021 and March 2026, with around 6,000 women receiving their share while over 4,000 cases are still pending.
Bukhari’s statement reflects a growing awareness of these issues within society. “Public awareness has increased reporting,” noted Nabila Hakim Ali Khan. She emphasized that during her tenure as ombudsperson, many cases were settled through mutual agreement without creating a backlog.
Yet, challenges persist. Some lawmakers argue that proper documentation—such as national identity cards or birth certificates—should be mandatory for marriages. This requirement could prevent child marriages by ensuring that families cannot easily bypass legal restrictions.
The next steps involve implementing this new law effectively. Officials will need to ensure enforcement mechanisms are in place to support its objectives. As Punjab continues to grapple with issues related to child marriage and women’s rights, further developments are anticipated.