LHC Declares Underage Marriage Illegal

The Lahore High Court has declared that marriages of girls under the age of 18 are unlawful under the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026. This decision came after Muhammad Aslam filed a petition to register a complaint against his daughter Hina Aslam's alleged husband. The court ordered Hina to be placed at the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau and overturned a Justice of Peace's ruling that had denied registration of the complaint.

The court also directed authorities to reopen an investigation into claims Hina had been subjected to child marriage. Muhammad Aslam had already registered a case alleging his daughter's abduction, stating that new evidence had surfaced regarding her underage marriage and further legal action was necessary. The court emphasized that child marriage laws aim to safeguard children's rights, safety, and welfare.