Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly opposed the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025, calling it un-Islamic and promising protest rallies across Pakistan. He claimed the law threatens traditional values and announced a campaign to “raise awareness” about national sovereignty and Islamic governance.
Law Sparks Religious Backlash
The new law, enacted on May 27, bans marriages under the age of 18 in Islamabad. It passed both houses of parliament and received presidential assent. While rights groups welcomed the move, religious leaders voiced strong objections. The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) declared that labeling child marriage as rape “does not conform with Islamic law.”
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Fazl’s Arguments Against the Law
At a press conference in Peshawar, Fazlur Rehman accused lawmakers of undermining Islamic principles. He said the law made “fornication easier while making legitimate marriages harder.” He linked it to earlier legislation under General Musharraf, which, according to him, decriminalized premarital relations.
Fazl criticized the government for “trampling the Constitution” and ignoring Islamic traditions. He said religious scholars and parties were united in rejecting the act, which he believes contradicts the Quran and Sunnah.
Protest Rallies Announced
The JUI-F leader declared a series of protest rallies to oppose the law. The first major gathering is scheduled for June 29 in Hazara Division. He said these rallies would not only address specific issues like Al-Aqsa but would also focus on broader themes such as Islamic governance.
“We will present our stance to the world,” Fazl stated. “Islam can move with the world and offer benefits if given space.”
Background on Child Marriages in Pakistan
Child marriages, especially in rural areas, remain common due to poverty and limited education. A 2019 WHO report revealed that 21% of girls in Pakistan were married before turning 18. Despite previous legislative efforts, including in 2018 and 2021, similar bills failed to pass due to religious opposition—mainly from JUI-F.
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