The National Assembly of Pakistan has passed the Christian Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2024, raising the legal marriage age to 18 for both genders within the Christian community.
Introduced by Member of the National Assembly Naveed Amir Jeeva, the amendment aligns Christian marriage laws with Pakistan’s child protection and human rights standards.
The revised law updates the Christian Marriage Act of 1872, which previously set the marriage age at 16 for boys and 13 for girls.
The amendment aims to protect young girls from early and forced marriages, ensuring their access to education and health.
Senator Kamran Michael first proposed the amendment in the Senate, emphasizing that raising the marriage age is essential to protect children from sexual abuse and forced conversions, issues particularly affecting religious minorities.
The statement accompanying the bill noted the state’s duty to protect children from exploitation and uphold their constitutional rights.
With approval from both houses, the amendment now awaits the President’s signature to become law.
“This amendment has been a longstanding demand of the Christian community. It will play a vital role in preventing the forced marriage of underage Christian girls, serving as a safeguard for their health, education, and overall well-being,” said Nasir Saeed, Director of Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance, and Settlement (CLAAS)-UK.
He praised lawmakers for their efforts in addressing this critical issue and taking steps toward ensuring the rights and protection of religious minorities in Pakistan.
CLAAS is a non-denominational organization dedicated to supporting Christians facing persecution in Pakistan due to their faith.
