6/13/2025 Pakistan (International Christian Concern) — Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has signed into law the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, making it illegal to marry under the age of 18 in Pakistan’s federal capital.

The passage of this bill is a win for young children in Pakistan, especially Christians, who are at a greater risk of forced conversion to Islam and underage marriage. 

“This bill is not just a law, it is a commitment that our girls have the right to education, health, and a prosperous life,” Pakistani Senator Sherry Rehman said.  

The bill addresses the growing concern of female children getting pregnant in their early teens before they can mature or pursue education. It also highlights the widespread issues many girls face, of being kidnapped, forced into marriage, and forced by their captors to convert to Islam. At least 1,000 girls are subject to this annually. 

Children belonging to religious minority families, including Christians, are more at risk of these acts. Recently, a 16-year-old Christian girl, Jessica Iqbal, was kidnapped and forced to remain with her captor after a judge ruled in his favor. Iqbal’s parents reported that she was coerced to deny her Christian faith to protect her family.  

While many are celebrating the passage of the child marriage bill, others have pushed back. The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), which advises the Pakistani government on whether a law aligns with Islam, declared the bill to be “un-Islamic.” A statement made by Maulana Jalaluddin, one of the CII members, said, “This bill is not only against the norms of Sharia but also contrary to the values of our society and our traditions.”  

By criminalizing such practices and protecting children’s futures, the bill could mark a turning point for all children in Pakistan, including Christian women and girls.  

“The signing of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill is a symbol of a new era of reforms in Pakistan,” Senator Rehman stated. As the country moves forward, the bill may open the door for further human rights legislation. 

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