On Friday, the National Assembly passed a landmark bill that banned marriages with children in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) who criminalized the marriage of any individual under the age of 18.

The legislation determines strict penalties for offenders, including parents, guardians, priests and marriage registrators.

According to the bill, the registration of a marriage involving persons under the age of 18 has been declared a criminal act. Nikah registrators will now be legally bound not to register such marriages.

The law requires that any person who has solemnly has a Nikah must verify the presence of computer national identity card (CNIC) for both parties before registration or performance of the marriage ceremony.

If you do not confirm such documentation or continue with the celebration or registration of a minor marriage, up to one year in prison, a fine of RS100,000, or both.

The bill also classifies the marriage with a girl under the age of 18 to an adult man as a criminal criminal act of string prison ranging from at least two years to a maximum of three years along with a fine.

Furthermore, all sexual conditions that are the result of a marriage involving a minor, whether with or without consent, will be considered statutory rape. Anyone who forces, lures or forces a minor bride or groom for marriage will also be treated legally as a perpetrator of sexual abuse, according to the bill.

Opposing such marriages can now be punished by five to seven years of string prison, a fine of up to RS1 million or both.

In addition, people who hire, shelter or take custody of a child to facilitate a marriage are responsible for three years in prison with a fine.