Senate passes bill against underage marriages with majority vote

The Senate approved on Monday with majority vote a bill to amend the child marriage restraint act 1929.

Senator Sherry Rehman presented the bill to be passed unanimously.

Senator Ghafoor Haidri raised an objection saying the bill may be sent to Islamic Ideology Council (IIC) for further discussion.

According to the amendment, marriage under 18 years can lead to a fine of Rs200,000 and three years of rigorous punishment for facilitators.

Senator Raza Rabbani in support of the bill apprised the house that the bill was earlier sent to the IIC, however, it remained pending there for years without discussion.

He said Sindh Assembly has already passed the same bill which was not challenged or opposed at any forum so far.

Leader of the house Senator Shibli Faraz favored the bill saying he was part of the committee that deliberated on the bill and the IIC was confused and never took a clear position on the issue when their opinion was sought.

Senator Mushahid Ullah in support of the bill said to ensure the discipline in the society and to curb women's exploitation, adding that such legislation will be very effective in future.

Winding up the debate on the bill the Senate chairman sought voting and passed the bill with opposition of five votes.