The Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minority Affairs unanimously approved the Christian Marriage Bill 2026, according to reports. The proposed legislation seeks to repeal and replace the Christian Marriage Act of 1872.
During the committee meeting, MPA Raheela Khadam Hussain chaired the proceedings, while Falbous Christopher presented the draft legislation. The bill proposes raising the minimum legal age of marriage for both men and women to 18 years.
Christopher stated that increasing the minimum age to 18 for both genders would strengthen protection against child marriage and help ensure free consent. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that Christian marriages must be registered with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the relevant union councils.
The current Christian Marriage Act of 1872 sets the minimum marriage age at 16 years for males and 13 years for females. Under the proposed framework, both individuals involved must belong to the Christian faith.
Solemnising marriages will be authorised for ordained and religiously qualified pastors of churches registered with the Punjab government, alongside government-appointed marriage registrars, following Christian rites. The bill also requires procedural steps, including prior written notice, a public announcement of the marriage, and the presence of at least two witnesses during the ceremony.
Moreover, the proposed law removes existing restrictions concerning specific times or days for holding wedding ceremonies and requires marriage records to be kept via standardized registers and official forms. Christopher added that the bill intends to consolidate, clarify, and modernise personal law for the Christian community while safeguarding individual rights and consent.
Following the committee's approval, the bill must now be presented before the full Punjab Assembly for final enactment.
