CPB Chairperson calls Punjab marriage age law 'landmark', pushes for iron-clad enforcement and awareness

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2026) Chairperson of the Child Protection Bureau (CPB) and MPA Sarah Ahmad on Thursday applauded Punjab lawmakers for enacting the bill that sets 18 as the minimum marriage age for girls, calling it a landmark step and urging greater awareness and a collective role to ensure its effective implementation across all districts.

In an exclusive interview with a local media outlet, CPB Chairperson shed light on the intense and heated debate that took place in the Punjab Assembly before the passage of the bill setting the minimum marriage age for girls at 18.

She noted that lawmakers engaged in extensive discussions, reflecting both the sensitivity and importance of the issue, while also facing several challenges and differing viewpoints during the process.

She praised Chief Minister Punjab, the Speaker, and fellow lawmakers for their commitment and consensus-building efforts, terming the approval of the bill a milestone step for child protection and social reform in the province.

Highlighting the significance of the legislation, she said it marks a major policy shift aimed at safeguarding girls’ rights and ensuring their education and well-being.

However, she emphasized that legislation alone is not enough without effective implementation on the ground.

Sarah Ahmad stressed the need for strict enforcement of the law across all districts and called for a coordinated role of district administrations, interfaith leaders, and religious scholars. She further urged that awareness campaigns be launched to educate the public, including educated segments of society, to ensure widespread understanding and support for the law’s objectives.

Responding a query, she explained the need to raise awareness about the serious health risks faced by girls married at an early age, noting that it can lead to severe physical and psychological complications.

She stressed that protecting girls’ health and well-being must remain a key priority alongside strict enforcement of the law.

She concluded by calling for collective responsibility to make the legislation truly effective in preventing child marriage and protecting future generations.