Challenge Filed Against Child Marriage Law in Federal Shariat Court

ISLAMABAD (RNN TV) — A recently enacted law banning marriages under the age of 18 has been challenged in the Federal Shariat Court (FSC), with the petitioner arguing that it contradicts both the Constitution and Islamic teachings.

The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025, which criminalizes child marriage and sets 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage, was signed into law by the president on May 27 after its approval by both houses of Parliament. The legislation aims to safeguard children’s rights and prevent underage marriages.

However, the law has faced criticism from religious groups and scholars, who argue it conflicts with Islamic jurisprudence. On Wednesday, Shahzada Adnan, a private citizen, filed a petition in the FSC through Advocate Mudassar Chaudhry, naming the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) as respondents.

In the petition, Adnan claims that the Act is “repugnant to Sharia” and should be declared “un-Islamic, unconstitutional, and against the fundamentals of Islam.” He challenged several provisions of the Act, including sections related to the registration of child marriages, penalties for adults marrying children, and punishments for parents or guardians involved in such unions.

The petitioner argued that Islamic teachings do not prescribe a specific minimum age for marriage, instead emphasizing physical and mental maturity — typically marked by puberty — as the requirement for entering into a marital contract. The petition cited verses from the Quran and referenced classical Islamic jurisprudence to support the claim that the legislation contradicts religious principles.

It also criticized the government for not taking into account the opinion of the CII, which had previously expressed concerns over the legislation. The CII stated that defining marriage under the age of 18 as rape was not in line with Islamic law.

In a recent statement, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also rejected the law, alleging it undermines Islamic values and promotes immorality. Speaking at a press conference, he claimed the legislation makes “fornication easier” while placing restrictions on legitimate marriages.

Fazl further announced that his party would launch a series of protest rallies nationwide, beginning with a major gathering in Hazara Division on June 29. He said the rallies would aim to “raise awareness about Islamic governance and national sovereignty.”

The child marriage law has sparked a broader debate over the balance between modern legislative reforms and traditional Islamic jurisprudence, with the final decision now resting with the Federal Shariat Court.

Source: Web Desk