Punjab Tightens Rules For Nikah Registrars

The Punjab Local Government Department has implemented new regulations and limitations for nikah registrars to curb underage marriages and streamline the marriage registration process. Under the updated rules, nikah registrars will exclusively be authorized to register marriages held within their designated jurisdiction, barring them from registering nikahs performed outside their assigned areas.

The department has established qualification criteria for new appointments, mandating applicants to achieve at least 90 percent marks in the relevant examination to qualify for the position. Additionally, the Punjab government has made digital literacy a prerequisite for nikah registrars, requiring applicants to demonstrate proficiency in using the internet and mobile phones; those unable to operate digital systems will be disqualified from consideration.

Registrars are now required to finalize marriage registrations within seven days of the nikah and promptly submit the records to the relevant Union Council. The Local Government Department has also stipulated that individuals currently facing criminal charges will be ineligible to serve as nikah registrars.