Pakistan, April 30 -- When Punjab's assembly raised the minimum marriage age to 18 on Monday, it finally parted ways with a century of complacency. The Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 closes the gender gap in the 1929 law and criminalises underage unions: adults who contract them face up to three years in prison and fines of Rs500,000, while those who facilitate or solemnise such marriages are also liable to punishment. In this context, the symbolism of a Muslim-majority legislature choosing to criminalise child marriage is a rare and necessary victory.

The bill also imposes strict timelines, requiring courts to conclude cases within ninety days and allowing judges to halt an impending wedding. Sindh has already enforced an 18-year mi...