Punjab Assembly panel approves sweeping reforms to Christian marriage laws
Proposed legislation seeks to replace 1872 Act and establish a clearer legal framework for Christian marriages
Punjab Assembly panel unanimously approves Christian Marriage Bill 2026
Century-old 1872 law proposed to be replaced; bill raises marriage age to 18 for both men and women, makes Union Council and NADRA registration mandatory
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minorities Affairs on Wednesday unanimously approved the Christian Marriage Bill 2026, paving the way for the replacement of the century-old Christian Marriage Act 1872 with a modern legal framework for marriages within the Christian community.
The bill, moved by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MPA Philebos Christopher, was previously presented in the Punjab Assembly on April 27. It faced criticism from Christian religious leaders and legal experts, who called for broader reforms covering divorce, annulment, inheritance, child custody and separation, as well as meaningful consultation with church representatives during the lawmaking process.
The committee meeting was chaired by PML-N MPA Raheela Khadim Hussain, where members examined the provisions of the proposed legislation before approving it unanimously.
Presenting the bill, Christopher said the proposed law sought to consolidate and modernise the legal framework governing Christian marriages while strengthening protections relating to consent and providing greater clarity in matrimonial matters.
One of the major changes proposed in the bill is an increase in the minimum marriageable age to 18 years for both Christian men and women.
Under the existing Christian Marriage Act 1872, the minimum marriage age is 16 years for males and 13 years for females.
The proposed legislation also stipulates that both parties entering into a Christian marriage must identify as Christians.
The bill lays down a formal procedure for solemnisation of marriages, including written notice prior to the marriage and a public announcement of the intended union. It also seeks to make the registration of Christian marriages with the relevant Union Council and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) mandatory.
Christopher told the committee that such registration was not possible under the existing legal framework, creating difficulties in maintaining official records and providing legal documentation to Christian couples.
Under the proposed law, Christian marriages would be permitted in all churches registered with the Punjab government and would be solemnised according to Christian rites and procedures.
The bill further proposes empowering religiously educated pastors of government-registered churches to solemnise Christian marriages. Designated pastors and marriage registrars appointed by the government would also be authorised to conduct marriage ceremonies.
A Christian marriage would have to be solemnised in the presence of at least two witnesses, while an official record would be maintained through marriage registers and prescribed forms.
Another proposed change is the removal of restrictions on the day and time of Christian marriage ceremonies. Unlike the existing framework, the new law would not impose restrictions on when a marriage ceremony could be held.
The approval by the standing committee marks a significant step in the legislative process, although the bill will still require consideration and approval by the Punjab Assembly before becoming law.
The proposed legislation comes amid longstanding calls from sections of the Christian community for an updated legal framework governing marriage and related family matters, with religious leaders and legal experts previously arguing that reforms should extend beyond marriage solemnisation to other aspects of Christian personal law.