CII Blocks Child Marriage Ban, Citing Islamic Principles
CII Rejects Bill Setting 18 as Minimum Age for Marriage, Citing Conflict with Islamic Principles
The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has formally rejected a bill—already approved by both the National Assembly and the Senate—that proposed setting 18 years as the minimum legal age for marriage, effectively outlawing child marriages in Pakistan. The council argued that enforcing a fixed age limit for marriage is not aligned with Islamic teachings and jurisprudence.
The decision came during a recent session chaired by Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, where CII members extensively discussed the implications of the proposed legislation. They emphasized that matters related to marriage—particularly the question of age—must be evaluated within the religious, cultural, and societal context of the country. According to the council, Islamic law prioritizes physical and mental maturity over a specific age threshold.
While the CII acknowledged the need to address concerns related to early marriages, the members expressed that the solution lies in public education and social awareness rather than punitive legal measures. They supported initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the health, educational, and social impacts of early marriages but firmly opposed the idea of criminalizing such unions.
The council not only rejected the bill but also criticized its language and tone, describing certain sections as problematic and contrary to Islamic values. CII officials stated that a detailed response, including recommendations and religious reasoning, will be issued after further internal consultation and review.
This move has sparked debate across various segments of society, with human rights activists and child welfare advocates expressing disappointment over the council’s stance. They argue that setting a minimum age for marriage is crucial to protect minors, especially girls, from exploitation and to ensure their right to education and personal development.
The government is now faced with a complex challenge: balancing religious perspectives with international commitments to human rights and child protection. The outcome of this debate will likely have lasting implications for the legal and social framework surrounding marriage in Pakistan.