Punjab govt decides to change ancient family laws of Christian community after 153 years

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Apr, 2026) The Punjab government has decided to change the ancient family laws of the Christian community, under which millions of Christian families will be given great relief.

In marriage, both the bride and groom must be Christians. The minimum age for marriage will be 18 years.

According to Official sources, fundamental changes will be made to the Christian Marriage Act, enacted in 1872, (after 153 years).

Due to the Christian Marriage Act, which has been in force in the province since the British era, the Christian community was facing problems of non-registration of marriages.

Considering the special interest of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in the betterment of the Christian community, the proposed Christian Marriage Act Bill 2026 has been prepared.

The proposed bill was submitted by the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs in the Punjab Assembly, Philbos Christopher, as a private member.

Under the bill, it is proposed to set the minimum age of marriage in the Christian community at 18 years, while according to the current law, the minimum age for marriage is 16 for a boy and 13 for a girl.