Age & Marriage

What is the legal minimum age for marriage in different provinces of Pakistan?

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Answer

Direct answer

The cited enacted laws set 18 as the minimum for both sexes in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Islamabad Capital Territory. Punjab’s current source is the Act gazetted on 11 May 2026, not just the earlier ordinance.

For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this review located an official 19 August 2026 announcement that an under-18 prevention Act would be introduced, but did not confirm a subsequent gazetted enactment. The older 1929 framework distinguishes 16 for females and 18 for males; do not treat a proposal as proof that it has changed. Confirm the current law for the place and circumstances of marriage with the registrar and qualified local legal advice.

18 yearsminimum for all genders in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and ICT
Evidence

Sources used

Legal / Official Source · 2026

Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026

Local Government and Community Development Department, Government of Punjab

Official gazetted Act of 11 May 2026. Defines a child as a male or female under 18 and repeals the earlier Punjab ordinance. Applies to Punjab.

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Legal / Official Source · 2014

Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act, 2013

Sindh Code, Government of Sindh

Official Sindh law setting 18 as the minimum marriage age for all genders.View source
Legal / Official Source · 2025

Balochistan Child Marriages Restraint Act, 2025

Balochistan Code, Government of Balochistan

Official Balochistan Code text: adults are 18 or above, regardless of sex. Applies to Balochistan. Confirm the relevant Gazette and any later amendments for a specific case.

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Legal / Official Source · 2025

Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2025

Pakistan Code, Ministry of Law and Justice

Official Gazette text, 3 June 2025. Defines a child as a person under 18 and applies to Islamabad Capital Territory, not every province.

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Legal / Official Source · 1929

Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929

Pakistan Code, Ministry of Law and Justice

Official federal text relevant where a province has not replaced the inherited age rules.View source
Government Statement · 2026

KP government announcement on proposed under-18 marriage law

Directorate General Information and Public Relations, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Official announcement dated 19 August 2026 that an under-18 prevention Act would be introduced. An announcement is not proof of enactment; current Gazette confirmation is required.

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