Lahore: 11 May 2026: Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan has issued a Position Paper, a set of recommendations to ensure the effective implementation of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 through clear operational rules, strict enforcement mechanisms, and coordinated institutional action (s).

Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan’s Position Paper applauds the Government of Punjab and the Provincial Assembly for enacting the landmark legislation, however, emphasizes that the true impact of the law will depend on strong implementation measures, comprehensive rules, and accountability mechanisms.

The Position Paper presents several important recommendations for the effective enforcement of the law including the mandatory age verification through CNICs and NADRA Form-B documents before the  marriages solemnization, direct integration of Nikah (Marriage) registration systems with the NADRA database, and implementation of strict penalties against marriage registrars, parents, guardians, and facilitators involved in child marriages.

Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan has recommended for fast-track judicial procedures to ensure disposal of child marriage cases within the legally mandated 90-days time frame and has also urged law enforcement authorities to treat child marriages as a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offenses and to prevent forced and coerced statements from child victims.

The Position Paper further stresses upon the need for inter-departmental cooperation between Punjab Police, Child Protection & Welfare Bureau, district administrations, and social welfare departments to combat child trafficking and forced marriages, especially across provincial borders.

Special concern has also been expressed regarding the protection of minority girls and children vulnerable to forced religious conversions and forced marriages. Rwadari Tehreek is of the point of view  that all marriages involving children under 18 years of age should be declared null & void without any exceptions or any discrimination religion or faith. Furthermore judiciary should be held accountability for validating child marriages as witnessed in recent judgement of the Federal Constitutional Court in Maria Shahbaz case. 

In order to provide easy access to the victims of child marriages, Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan has suggested the establishment of dedicated complaint cells, helplines, community monitoring systems, and awareness campaigns involving religious leaders, educators, media/ social media, and civil society organizations to ensure widespread public understanding of the law and its penalties.

Through this Position Paper Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan has also reaffirmed that effective enforcement of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 will significantly contribute to the protection of children’s rights and the promotion of a just, safe, and equitable society. It has also expressed confidence that through collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, Punjab can set a strong precedent in eliminating child marriage.