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Islamic Ideology Council Rejects Bill Setting Minimum Marriage Age at 18
The Islamic Ideology Council rejects the bill banning marriage below 18, citing puberty and Sharia concerns. Recommendations to follow soon.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-27
Islamic Ideology Council Rejects Bill Setting Minimum Marriage Age at 18

In a recent meeting chaired by Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, the Islamic Ideology Council (IIC) formally rejected the bill passed by Pakistan’s National Assembly and Senate that prohibits marriage below the age of 18. The council expressed dissatisfaction with the set age limit of 18, emphasizing the need to consider the age of puberty and various societal and Sharia perspectives before enforcing such laws.

The council acknowledged the importance of eliminating social evils such as child marriage but stressed that decisions must be made after careful review of social attitudes, Sharia guidelines, and the practical realities surrounding marriage in Pakistan. The meeting covered a comprehensive 5-point agenda, including the Child Marriage Restraint Acts of Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, mandatory screening for thalassemia, and other important legal matters related to family laws and societal welfare.

According to insiders, the council’s objections were strongly voiced against the legal drafts already approved by the parliament. The Islamic Ideology Council is in the process of formulating detailed recommendations, which will be released following further coordination.

This move comes amid ongoing debates across Pakistan regarding the appropriate age for marriage and the balancing act between modern legal frameworks and religious interpretations. The IIC’s rejection of the bill highlights the challenges lawmakers face in harmonizing legislative reforms with cultural and religious sentiments.

As Pakistan navigates these sensitive issues, further dialogue between religious bodies, legal experts, and policymakers is expected to shape the future of child marriage laws in the country.

 
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PakistanLaw

IslamicIdeologyCouncil

ChildMarriage

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