By Matiullah Mati
The Balochistan Assembly on Friday passed the Balochistan Child Marriages Restrain Act 2025 despite loud protests, slogan-chanting, by opposition lawmakers. The legislation — considered one of the most significant child-rights reforms in the province’s recent history — aims to set the minimum marriage age at 18 and introduce penalties for violations.
The session, presided over by Speaker Captain (R) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, witnessed heated scenes shortly after Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar presented the bill as part of the Assembly’s private members’ day agenda.
“This law goes against our religious teachings,” says opposition
Opposition Leader Mir Younus Aziz Zehri vehemently objected to the bill being tabled, while JI member Moulana Hidayat ur Rehman led the strongest resistance inside the house.
“This law contradicts the teachings of Allah and His Messenger. The Assembly has no authority to pass legislation that violates Islamic principles,” he said, arguing that such moves were an imposition on religious autonomy.
As opposition lawmakers shouted slogans and tore copies of the assembly agenda, tension escalated inside the Assembly Hall. Opposition members walked to the Speaker’s dais and continued their protest, holding up the shredded papers as a symbol of dissent.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti defends bill, calls for “civilized debate”
Responding to opposition uproar, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti urged lawmakers to voice their reservations “with arguments, not noise.”
“Everyone has the right to express their opinion, but this house must maintain dignity. We cannot allow the Assembly to turn into a shouting contest,” he said.
Bugti reminded members that the bill followed the party manifesto and aligned with federal legislation already passed by the National Assembly.
“Child marriage prohibition is not against Islam,” he stressed. “It is a legal and social necessity. This law is meant to protect our children. There is already a clause offering religious exemptions where needed.”
Despite the opposition’s agitation, the bill was eventually put to vote — and passed with a clear majority.
A ‘historic day’ for Balochistan: Minister Zahoor Buledi
Provincial Minister for Planning and Development, Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, welcomed the passage of the bill, calling it a landmark reform in Balochistan’s human rights landscape.
“Under the guidance of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and in line with the progressive vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Balochistan has finally aligned its marriage laws with the federal government and other provinces,” Buledi said.
He added that the legislation would help protect children — particularly young girls — from early marriage, enabling them to pursue education, secure employment, and contribute to the social and economic development of the province.
Civil society hails the legislation
Civil society organizations and rights campaigners have widely praised the bill, calling it a long-awaited victory for child protection.
Allauddin Khilji, Regional Director of Aurat Foundation and Chairman Balochistan EVAWG Alliance described the law as “a historic and progressive step.”
“Early marriages trap children — especially girls — in cycles of forced labour, illiteracy, and severe health complications,” he said. “By setting the minimum marriage age at 18 and introducing firm penalties, the Assembly has given our children a chance at a safer, healthier, and more dignified future.”
He urged the government to ensure “swift and effective implementation.”
UN Women applauds the government and women legislators
UN Women also lauded the passage of the Child Marriage Prohibition Bill, congratulating the Chief Minister, Ghazala Gola, Raheela Hameed Durrani, Dr. Rubaba Buledi, and members of civil society for their persistent advocacy.
“Their continued efforts have resulted in a major step toward securing the rights and protection of girls in Balochistan,” the statement read.
A turning point for children in Balochistan
Despite the chaos inside the Assembly hall, Friday’s vote marks a transformative moment for the province. The new legal framework seeks to protect thousands of children — especially vulnerable girls — from early marriage, a practice deeply rooted in tradition but long criticized for its long-term social and health consequences.
As Balochistan moves toward implementing the law, the coming months will reveal whether the province can translate this legislative breakthrough into real protection for children across its vast and diverse communities.
Balochistan Passes Child Marriage Law Amid Protests
