Punjab Assembly Committee Approves Christian Marriage Bill 2026

The Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minority Affairs has unanimously approved the Christian Marriage Bill 2026, moving proposed reforms to Christian marriage laws in Punjab a step closer to consideration by the full provincial assembly.

The proposed legislation would set 18 years as the minimum marriage age for both Christian men and women. It also seeks to introduce mandatory registration of Christian marriages with the relevant Union Council and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

The committee meeting was chaired by MPA Raheela Khadam Hussain, while the bill was presented by its mover, MPA Falbous Christopher. The draft seeks to replace the Christian Marriage Act of 1872 with a new legal framework designed for Christian marriages in Punjab.

Christian Marriage Bill 2026 Proposes Minimum Age of 18

One of the most significant changes proposed in the Christian Marriage Bill 2026 is a uniform minimum marriage age of 18 years for both men and women.

The existing Christian Marriage Act dates back to 1872 and remains listed among Pakistan's family laws. Section 60 of the existing framework refers to ages exceeding 16 for a man and 13 for a woman in provisions concerning marriages between Christians covered by that section.

Christopher told the committee that raising the age to 18 would strengthen safeguards against child marriage and support free consent between people entering marriage.

If passed by the Punjab Assembly and enacted, the proposed legislation would therefore create the same minimum age requirement for both parties under the new provincial framework.

NADRA and Union Council Registration Proposed

Another major part of the bill deals with official marriage registration.

The draft proposes making it compulsory for Christian marriages covered by the legislation to be registered with both the relevant Union Council and NADRA. Supporters of the proposal say this would provide a clearer official record and address registration issues under the existing legal framework.

Formal registration can be particularly important when a marriage record is needed for official documentation and other legal or administrative matters.

The proposed system would also require marriage records to be maintained through prescribed forms and standardized registers.

Both Parties Would Need to Be Christian

The Christian Marriage Bill 2026 also proposes that both people entering a marriage under the new law must belong to the Christian faith.

The draft sets out who would be permitted to solemnize these marriages. According to details reported after the committee meeting, religiously qualified pastors serving churches registered with the Punjab government could perform marriages according to Christian rites.

Government-appointed marriage registrars and other designated religious officials covered by the legislation could also be authorized to solemnize marriages.

These provisions are intended to establish a clearer process for determining who is legally authorized to conduct a Christian marriage under the proposed provincial framework.

Written Notice and Public Announcement

The proposed law doesn't deal only with marriage age and registration. It also lays down procedural requirements that would need to be followed before and during a marriage.

According to the reported provisions, a written notice would be required before the marriage. The intended marriage would also be publicly announced as part of the formal procedure.

At least two witnesses would have to be present when the marriage is solemnized.

The bill further proposes keeping formal records through marriage registers and official forms, creating a standardized documentation process for marriages performed under the law.

Restrictions on Wedding Days and Times to Be Removed

The bill also proposes removing historical restrictions concerning the days or times when Christian marriage ceremonies can take place.

Under the proposed framework, there would be no specific restriction on the day or time of the ceremony, provided the other legal requirements are satisfied.

This is one of several areas where lawmakers are seeking to replace older provisions with a modernized system.

The existing Christian Marriage Act was enacted in 1872. Pakistan Code identifies it as Act XV of 1872 and gives its promulgation date as July 18, 1872.

Why Is Punjab Introducing a New Christian Marriage Law?

The proposed reforms have been under discussion for several months.

In June 2026, the Punjab Assembly's Parliamentary Minority Caucus reviewed the proposed legislation with lawmakers, church leaders, legal experts and representatives of the Christian community participating in the discussion. The meeting included a clause-by-clause examination of the draft and recommendations from stakeholders.

Christopher has described the objective of the bill as consolidating and modernizing the legal framework governing Christian marriages while strengthening safeguards for free consent and improving legal clarity.

Replacing the 1872 legislation would represent a significant change to the legal framework used for Christian marriages in Punjab.

Committee Approval Does Not Mean the Bill Is Law Yet

An important distinction is that the Christian Marriage Bill 2026 has been approved by the Punjab Assembly's relevant standing committee, but it has not yet completed the full legislative process.

Following the committee's unanimous approval, the bill is expected to go before the Punjab Assembly for consideration and passage.

Therefore, provisions such as the 18-year minimum age and mandatory NADRA and Union Council registration should currently be described as proposals contained in the bill rather than rules that have already taken effect under this legislation.

If the bill completes the required legislative process and comes into force, it would replace the old framework in Punjab with updated rules covering marriage age, registration, authorized marriage officials, witnesses, documentation and other procedures.

For now, the committee's approval represents an important legislative stage, with the final decision still resting with the Punjab Assembly.

Fact-Checking Sources:

Dawn — Punjab Assembly panel approves Christian Marriage Bill, paving way for NADRA registration.

Business Recorder — PA committee approves Christian Marriage Bill 2026.

Pakistan Code — Christian Marriage Act, 1872 (Act XV of 1872).

Last Updated: October 1, 2026