President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday signed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill into law, aimed at curbing underage marriages. In post on X platform, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman shared the signed copy of the bill.
The bill, which seeks to protect the rights of children and eventually eradicate marriages of children under the age of 18, reached the presidency on May 27 after sailing through both houses of parliament.
However, the move attracted strong opposition from religious segments of society, with the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) ruling that classifying marriage under the age of 18 as rape did not conform with Islamic law.
“The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025 is assented to, as passed by the Parliament,” the notification read. “Pakistan has reached a milestone in the enactment of important legislation against child marriages,” Sherry Rehman said in a statement.
She said that the approval of the bill was successful despite resistance from various sections, adding that President Zardari signed the bill despite pressure. “The signing of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill is a symbol of a new era of reforms in Pakistan,” she said.
Sherry Rehman hailed the approval as a victory for the protection of the rights of women and children, adding, “This law was possible after a long and difficult struggle.”
“This bill is not just a law, it is a commitment that our girls have the right to education, health and a prosperous life,” Rehman continued.
She thanked PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, party leaders, other political parties, representatives of the opposition and the public for their support for the bill. She also called on other provinces to take steps towards this important legislation.
