ISLAMABAD – Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has strongly advocated for a uniform, nationwide law to ban child marriage, asserting that the legislation is fully compliant with Islamic principles and essential for safeguarding the rights of young girls.
Speaking on the issue, Tarar emphasized that the state operates under the Constitution, requiring every law to conform to the principles of Sharia. He clarified that preventing child marriages is not un-Islamic, but a necessary step to protect the well-being of children.
The Minister stressed that determining the minimum age for marriage is a prerogative of the state, noting that Sindh province has already implemented such a law since 2013. Regarding the recently approved bill in the National Assembly to set the minimum age for marriage, Tarar stated that further consultation is unnecessary once Parliament has passed the legislation.
Concern over Lack of Uniformity and Impact on Girls
Tarar voiced his concern over the absence of a uniform law across the country, terming the discrepancy “worrisome.” He revealed that cases involving 13- and 14-year-old girls frequently appear in Darul Aman shelters, underscoring the psychological stress and trauma caused by early marriages.
He pointed out that social, familial, and cultural pressures often force underage girls into marriage. To ensure effective implementation, he suggested that the law on minimum marriage age should be linked with the national identity card system.
“The rights of a small minority cannot be sacrificed for the will of the majority,” the Minister asserted, adding that true progress lies in protecting the most vulnerable segments of society. He urged for “courageous decisions” to break “the walls of fear,” stressing that national progress depends on the full protection of the weak and marginalized.
Opposition from JUI-F Chief
The Minister’s call for uniform legislation comes amidst strong opposition from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. In June 2025, Rehman declared the child marriage law to be against the Quran and Sunnah.
Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, the JUI-F chief announced a nationwide protest against the law, condemning the government for allegedly caving to international pressure from organizations like the IMF and FATF. Rehman argued that Pakistan’s Islamic identity is under threat due to recent legislative actions, insisting that laws must align with Islamic principles rather than foreign directives.
