Balochistan Assembly Approves Child Marriage Restraint Bill

The Balochistan Assembly, chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, began its session with a delay of 40 minutes. Despite strong protests and uproar from the opposition benches, the Assembly passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, placing a legal ban on underage marriages in the province. At the beginning of the session, the House offered Fateha for PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Siraj Durrani, and those martyred in the Wana and other incidents. The opposition members, however, strongly opposed the bill, announcing that they would challenge it in court. According to the agenda, the session included two “Call Attention Notices,” three resolutions, and the Question Hour. The Speaker postponed the remaining proceedings and adjourned the Assembly till 3 PM on November 17.

Balochistan CM Faces Fierce Uproar as Assembly Passes Child Marriage Ban

Chief Minister Balochistan, while addressing the House, said that legislation should be completed before the opposition’s resolutions because he had to travel. He added that: “We are acting according to our party’s manifesto. The ban on child marriage is not against Islam; the National Assembly has already approved it. There is also a provision for exemption within the law.” He further instructed lawmakers to speak respectfully, stating that shouting in the Assembly violated parliamentary ethics. He offered a separate chamber briefing for opposition members who were not satisfied. Earlier, Opposition Leader Mir Younus Aziz Zehri raised a point of order, complaining that his privilege had been breached by an incorrect answer given to his question. The Speaker ruled that action would be taken against those responsible and directed the government to act against the absentee secretary. The Assembly disposed of Asad Baloch’s “Call Attention Notice” after the government provided details. Asad Baloch had asked about 100 laptops allocated for students of Panjgur under the PSDP 2022–23, which had not yet been distributed. Another notice, raised by Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman regarding the allocation of sports funds and registered sports clubs in Gwadar district, was settled after the advisor on sports submitted the required details. Maulana Hidayat argued that the Assembly had no authority to pass any law contrary to the commands of Allah and His Prophet. His objectionable remarks were later expunged from the proceedings. During the heated session, the Opposition tore the copies of the agenda, accusing the government of passing the child marriage law “on the direction of NGOs.” Despite intense sloganeering and a chaotic atmosphere described as a “fish market,” the government succeeded in passing the Child Marriage Restraint Bill. Opposition members declared: “You may have passed the bill in the Assembly, but we will challenge it in court.” Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai adjourned the session until 3 PM on November 17.