Law banning child marriage challenged in Federal Sharia Court

Islamabad: The law banning child marriage under 18 years of age was challenged in the Federal Sharia Court. After approval from the National Assembly and the Senate, President Asif Zardari signed the ‘Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill’ on May 30 and approved it.

Citizen Shahzada Adnan filed a petition through his lawyer, Mudassar Chaudhry Advocate, in which he took the position that the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025 has been made against the Quran, Hadith, and the Constitution. The petition also cited Quranic verses.

The law related to marriage punishes the accused with imprisonment and hard labor, which is against the Constitution and the law. The petition has requested that the law contrary to the Quran and Sunnah be declared null and void, and the state be prevented from registering a case under this law.

It is pertinent to note that a statement issued by the President on May 30 said that the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025 has received the approval of the President after it was passed by the Parliament.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman, while describing this law as an important milestone in the legislation against child marriages in Pakistan, said that this was achieved despite resistance from various quarters.

She stated that the signing of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill is a symbol of a new era of reforms. It is a victory for the protection of the rights of women and children. This law was possible after a long and difficult struggle.

Senator Sherry Rehman added that this bill is not just a law but a symbol of the determination that our girls have the right to education, health, and a prosperous life.

On the other hand, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman had said that the Islamic identity of the country is being destroyed and legislation is being made against the Quran and Sunnah.

Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on June 1, Maulana stated that the legislation to ban marriage of children under 18 years of age means that we are still going through the era of colonialism and slavery.

He added that the Islamic identity of the country is being destroyed. Legislation is being made contrary to the Quran and Sunnah, while the country's constitution clearly states that no legislation will be made contrary to the Quran and Sunnah. Democracy in Pakistan is losing its case, and the constitution is being violated.

He further said that in Pakistan, facilities are being created for adultery by consent, and difficulties are being created for legitimate marriage. Islamic ideology has rejected this bill. All the scholars and their organizations and parties have also declared it contrary to the Quran and Sunnah.

The JUI-F chief also rejected this bill, saying that they will also take practical steps against it, holding rallies in the provinces, and a major press conference will be held in Hazara Division on June 29 in this regard, and public awareness will be raised.