Punjab has a strong anti-child marriage rule with a minimum legal age of 18.

A Nikah registrar who registers the marriage of an underage boy or girl faces up to a year in prison and a fine of Rs100,000, according to the legislation.

A minimum two-year jail sentence awaits any adult over the age of 18 who marries an underage girl, and those who assist in such marriages could be fined up to Rs500,000.

Cohabitation or marital relations with a minor after marriage are also considered child abuse under the new rule. A minimum fine of Rs1 million and a prison term of five to seven years are associated with this offense.

Furthermore, bringing a kid outside of Punjab for marriage is considered child trafficking and carries a maximum fine of Rs1 million in addition to five to seven years in prison. If found guilty of arranging marriages between minors, parents or guardians might spend two to three years behind bars.

The Punjab Assembly will soon consider and approve the Child Marriage Restriction Ordinance.