Sardar Saleem Haider Khan.
Photo: Wikipedia (CC)
On February 11th, the governor of Punjab, Pakistan, signed the "Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026" into effect. The bill raised the minimum age for marriage, providing greater protections for the country's vulnerable youth. It is hoped that this law will now help prevent the kidnapping, forced conversion and marriage of Christian girls. (Further details about the newly implemented legislation are available in this report.)
On April 27th, following a heated debate, the provincial Assembly officially passed the bill, marking the final step in the approval process. During the session, an amendment was also adopted – emphasizing that, in matters relating to the new legislation, the best interests of each child must be the primary consideration.
- Please prayerfully uphold the many young lives in Pakistan that have been negatively impacted as a result of past forced conversions and marriages, asking the Lord to provide healing, restoration and lasting comfort to each of the young victims and their families.
- Pray that this new law would be effectively implemented and upheld by the country's authorities, truly serving as a safeguard for other vulnerable children.
- Praise God for the legislators who have willingly taken a stand for justice. May many others – including members of Pakistan's political leadership and those of society at large – acknowledge the importance of protecting the dignity and well-being of every precious child.
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