Lahore High Court Acts Against Underage Marriage Facilitator

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has recently made a significant decision to address the issue of underage marriages by taking legal action against a nikkah registrar involved in facilitating the marriage of a minor girl. This action was prompted by a case of a young girl's abduction in Shahdara, Lahore, where the girl, believed to be around 15 or 16 years old, admitted in court that she had willingly entered into the marriage.

During a court session related to the abduction case, the judge ordered the filing of a petition against the nikkah registrar responsible for conducting the marriage of the underage girl. The judicial magistrate has been tasked with handling the case, following a plea by Azmat Bibi, who sought the recovery of her minor daughter.

It is crucial for all parties involved in the marriage process, including the nikkah registrar, the officiant, and witnesses, to verify the bride's age with valid documentation. Pakistan has committed to the United Nations to eliminate underage and forced marriages by 2030 as part of its efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Recognizing the harmful impact of early marriages on young women's well-being and development, the expert committee overseeing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women has set 18 years as the minimum age for marriage for both genders.

The Lahore High Court's action against the nikkah registrar highlights the importance of upholding legal standards to protect minors from the harmful consequences of underage marriages. By enforcing age verification protocols and aligning with international commitments, Pakistan aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of its young population, paving the way for a more equitable society.