TAXILA: Police in Khor town of Pindigheb foiled an underage marriage and booked eight persons including bridegroom, his mother, bride’s brother and other facilitators under Child Marriage Act.

Those who face legal action are those who solemnized the nikkah (marriage contract) and nikkah registrar.

According to sources, Noman Ashraf has contracted the marriage of his 16-year-old sister Manahil Ashraf with Mohsin Ali in Kamyial village a few days ago and her departure (rukhsati) was planned on Monday.

According to the investigating officer Assistant Sub Inspector Asad Mehmood, the Nikah registrar has deliberately not mentioned the age of the bride and also not registered the marriage contract at the union council concerned.

Punjab has recently set the minimum marriage age at 18 years for both boy and girl. Under the current law, an adult who marries a child can face 2–3 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs500,000.

Parents, guardians, or anyone facilitating the marriage can face 2 to 3 years’ imprisonment and fines.A Nikah registrar orNikah khawanwho registers or conducts an underage marriage can face up to one year imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000. Offences are generally treated as cognizable and non-bailable.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026