Punjab Assembly panel approves Christian Marriage Bill 2026

LAHORE  –  The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minority Affairs on Wednesday unanimously approved the Christian Marriage Bill 2026, paving the way for its presentation before the provincial assembly.

The meeting, chaired by Raheela Khadim Hussain, approved the bill moved by MPA Falbous Christopher, which seeks to repeal the Christian Marriage Act 1872 and replace it with a modern legal framework for Christian marriages in Punjab.

The proposed law sets 18 years as the minimum marriage age for both men and women. Mr Christopher said the existing law prescribed a minimum age of 16 for Christian men and 13 for women.

The bill requires both parties to a marriage solemnised under the proposed law to be Christians and introduces a procedure for prior written notice and public announcement of the marriage.

It also proposes mandatory registration of Christian marriages with Union Councils and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). Mr Christopher said such registration was not currently possible under the existing framework.

Under the bill, marriages could be solemnised in all registered churches according to Christian religious practices. Religiously trained pastors of churches registered with the Punjab government, as well as designated marriage registrars appointed by the government, would be authorised to conduct the ceremonies.

The proposed law would impose no restrictions on the day or time of a marriage ceremony but would require at least two witnesses to be present.

It also provides for the maintenance of official marriage records through prescribed forms and marriage registers.

Mr Christopher said the bill aimed to consolidate and modernise the legal framework governing Christian marriages, strengthen protection of free consent and provide greater legal clarity to the community. Following the committee’s approval, the bill will be presented before the Punjab Assembly for consideration and passage in the upcoming Assembly session.

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