KP Govt introduces Kalash marriage bill 2026 in provincial assembly

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2026) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has taken an important step on Monday to give legal shape to the matrimonial laws of the world’s unique ancient Kalash tribe by presenting the Kalash Marriage Bill 2026 in the provincial assembly.

The historic bill, tabled by Provincial Minister for Local Government Mina Khan Afridi, aims to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the registration of marriages in the Kalash community and to protect the ancient traditions of their ancestors under formal legislation.

Under the proposed law, the minimum legal age for marriage for both bride and groom has been set at 18 years, along with mandatory mental fitness requirements for both individuals.

A key feature of the legislation is the alignment of the tribal social structure with modern requirements, making mutual consent of both male and female compulsory for marriage. The bill also imposes a strict ban on cousin marriages within the Kalash community.

The bill further provides full legal protection to centuries-old Kalash traditions of Khaltabari and Murt.

To ensure transparency, it proposes the appointment of a local registrar responsible for the mandatory registration of all marriages, after which official records of marriages and divorces will be maintained in government offices.

Respecting cultural autonomy, the legislation allows that sensitive matters such as divorce, khula, and separation will be decided in accordance with established Kalash traditions.

It also prioritizes the rights of widowed women, ensuring that inheritance rights after the death of a husband remain fully protected under the traditional system.

Strict penalties, including heavy fines and imprisonment, have been proposed for violations of the law or providing false information.

Following its introduction, the Speaker of the Assembly referred the bill to the relevant standing committee for further deliberation and finalization.