Faith
Punjab Raises Marriage Age, Defends Children
Faith Facts
- Punjab Province has set 18 as the minimum legal marriage age for all, protecting children from exploitation.
- The new ordinance, signed by Gov. Saleem Haider Khan, makes child marriage a serious, non-bailable crime with strict penalties for offenders, facilitators, and negligent guardians.
- Christian leaders and advocates support the law as a milestone for justice, urging it becomes permanent to shield vulnerable girls, including those at risk of forced faith conversions.
Punishing child marriage reflects a renewed commitment to Biblical values of protecting youth and upholding family dignity. The law removes gender discrimination and enforces equal safeguards against abuse for boys and girls alike.
“The establishment of 18 as the uniform minimum age sends a clear message that child marriage will not be tolerated,” said Ejaz Alam Augustine, a Christian member of the Punjab Assembly and former provincial minister for human rights and minority affairs.
This reform answers the prayers of those who cherish life and justice, defending innocence and defending minorities from coercion and harm. Let us pray that these God-honoring protections endure and inspire other nations to value every child’s God-given worth.