The Federal Shariat Court has challenged the Punjab Child Marriage Ordinance.

The Federal Shariat Court has been approached against the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026, which makes marriages below the age of 18 a crime.

The petition was submitted by Mufti Muhammad Aslam through his attorney and the respondents included the Government of Punjab, including the governor, through the secretary and other concerned authorities.

The petitioner said the provisions of the ordinance, especially Section 2-D, Section 3 and others, are against the Constitution and the Islamic Sharia. He said that making marriage below the age of 18 years a criminal offence is against the teachings of Islam.

The petition said the state has the power to legislate for administrative affairs and public order but cannot interfere in matters covered by Sharia.

The petitioner prayed for striking down of sections 2-C, 2-D and other related provisions of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026 and also sought an order for suspension of the execution of the ordinance till a final ruling is given.