LAHORE: A Punjab Assembly panel on Wednesday unanimously approved the Christian Marriage Bill 2026, paving the way for mandatory registration of Christian marriages with Nadra and local union councils. The bill also raises the minimum legal marriage age to 18 for both bride and groom.
Christian Marriage Bill Punjab: what the committee approved
The Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minority Affairs, chaired by MPA Raheela Khadam Hussain, gave its nod to the draft legislation on Wednesday. The bill had been submitted to the committee in April. Its mover, Falbous Christopher, presented the draft and highlighted how outdated the existing law had become.
The 1872 Act sets the minimum marriage age at 16 for males and just 13 for females. Raising the threshold to 18 for both, Christopher said, would strengthen protection against child marriages and ensure genuine free consent.
Christian Marriage Bill Punjab: key provisions of the bill
Under the draft law, both parties to a marriage must belong to the Christian faith. Ordained and religiously qualified pastors of churches registered with the Punjab government, as well as government-appointed marriage registrars, would be empowered to solemnise marriages according to Christian rites.
The bill introduces procedural safeguards: prior written notice, public announcement of the marriage, and the presence of at least two witnesses at the ceremony. It also removes old restrictions on specific times or days for weddings and requires detailed marriage records through standardised registers and prescribed official forms.
A major change is compulsory registration with both the relevant union council and Nadra, a facility entirely missing under the 1872 framework. Supporters say this will give Christian families stronger legal documentation for inheritance, visas and other official matters.
Why it matters
Christopher told the media after the meeting that the bill’s purpose was to consolidate, clarify and modernise personal law for the Christian community while safeguarding individual rights and consent. Following the committee’s unanimous approval, the bill will now be laid before the full house of the Punjab Assembly, where it awaits final enactment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Christian Marriage Bill 2026?
It is a draft law to repeal and replace the colonial-era Christian Marriage Act of 1872, modernising the legal framework for Christian marriages in Punjab.
What is the new minimum marriage age?
The bill raises the minimum legal age of marriage to 18 years for both bride and groom, replacing the old limits of 16 for males and 13 for females.
Will Christian marriages need Nadra registration?
Yes. If passed, registration with both the local union council and Nadra would become compulsory, a facility not available under the 1872 law.
Who can solemnise marriages under the bill?
Ordained and religiously qualified pastors of churches registered with the Punjab government, along with government-appointed marriage registrars, in accordance with Christian rites.
What are the procedural safeguards?
The bill requires prior written notice, public announcements of the marriage, and at least two witnesses during the ceremony, with records kept in standardised registers and prescribed forms.
