LAHORE, 31 August 2026 (Kamran Raja): The Lahore High Court has ruled that the marriage of a girl below the age of 18 is illegal under the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 and directed police to investigate fresh evidence in an alleged child marriage case. Justice Manwar Iqbal Dogar issued the written judgment on a petition filed by citizen Muhammad Aslam, who had approached the court seeking registration of a case against the alleged husband of his minor daughter, Hina Aslam. During the proceedings, the court was informed that Hina was around 15 years old at the time of her nikah. The petitioner stated that a case regarding his daughter’s alleged abduction had already been registered, but argued that fresh evidence of her underage marriage warranted further legal action against those involved.The high court set aside the decision of the Justice of Peace, who had rejected the request for registration of a case, and directed the police to investigate the new evidence in accordance with the law.
The court ordered that the investigation determine whether a punishable offence had been committed and, if so, proceed against the responsible persons in accordance with the law. The court also directed that Hina Aslam be placed in the care of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, with relevant authorities instructed to prioritise her safety, welfare and best interests. The judgment observed that a child’s wishes are important; however, given the child’s young age, those wishes cannot automatically be treated as decisive. The court emphasised that laws against child marriage are primarily aimed at protecting children’s rights, safety and welfare. The high court further directed the concerned institutions to take all necessary measures to provide Hina with immediate protection. The judgment clarified that although the petitioner had already lodged an FIR regarding his daughter’s alleged abduction, a fresh FIR may also be registered if new evidence concerning an underage marriage comes to light.Assistant Advocate General Anwar Hussain appeared before the court on behalf of the Punjab government.