Punjab Assembly Standing Committee approves Christian Marriage Bill 2026

The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minorities Affairs on Wednesday unanimously approved the Christian Marriage Bill 2026, which seeks to replace the 1872 Christian Marriage Act with a modern legal framework.

The bill, introduced by MPA Philebos Christopher, proposes raising the minimum marriage age for Christians to 18 for both men and women. Under the existing law, the minimum age is 16 for boys and 13 for girls.

It also proposes mandatory registration of Christian marriages with Union Councils and NADRA, along with written notice and a public announcement before the marriage.

Under the proposed law, marriages could be solemnised in government-registered churches according to Christian rites. Government-authorised pastors and marriage registrars would also be allowed to conduct ceremonies.

The bill requires at least two witnesses to be present and calls for official marriage registers and prescribed forms to record marriages.

The legislation had earlier faced criticism from Christian leaders and legal experts, who called for broader reforms covering divorce, annulment, inheritance, child custody and separation, as well as greater consultation with the Church.