A political and religious controversy has erupted in Pakistan after senior cleric and opposition leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman openly threatened to violate laws restricting child marriage, calling such legislation “against Islamic law” and warning that Pakistan should declare itself a secular country if such bans are enforced.
Speaking in Pakistan’s National Assembly, the leader of the Jamiat-Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) said he would deliberately defy the law banning child marriage. “I declare that I will publicly break these laws. I will perform marriages of 16-year-olds, 12-year-olds and 10-year-olds. Then I will see how you resist me,” he said.
Pakistan: The JUI-F leader sparked backlash in Pakistan’s Parliament by opposing bills to ban child marriages, vowing to personally attend or arrange weddings for girls as young as 10 to defy the law, and labeling the reforms “anti-Islamic.” pic.twitter.com/vnf8cQyoj3
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 26, 2026
‘Against Quran And Constitution,’ Says Maulana
Standing among women members of parliament wearing burqas, the cleric accused the state of passing laws that contradict the Quran, Sunnah and Pakistan’s Constitution. “When this law was passed, I stood in this very parliament and opposed it. We passed this law against Islam,” he said.
He argued that legislation banning child marriage should first be referred to the Federal Shariat Court so Islamic scholars can debate its religious validity.
Recommended For You
Maulana Fazlur Rehman went further, saying that enforcing a child marriage ban would undermine Pakistan’s Islamic identity. “Either we cut off Islam from Islamic democracy and declare ourselves a secular country where the Quran and Hadith have no status, or we will not allow such laws to operate,” he warned.
ALSO READ: US Intervention In Venezuela: A Global Order At Risk | Opinion
Push For Social Reforms Sparks Resistance
The remarks come amid a broader legislative push to strengthen protections for women and children. On November 13, the National Assembly passed a bill to protect people against domestic violence in Islamabad, which is awaiting Senate approval. A day later, the Balochistan Assembly adopted a bill banning child marriages despite protests from opposition lawmakers, including JUI-F members.
In September, the Balochistan cabinet also approved its first-ever transgender policy aimed at improving social and economic inclusion.
What Does The Law Say On Child Marriage?
Child marriage laws vary across Pakistan. Sindh and the Islamabad Capital Territory have set 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage for girls, while Punjab is preparing to introduce the Child Marriage Restraint Act to enforce the same age limit.
Pakistan is home to more than 19 million child brides, with nearly one in six young women married before the age of 18, according to UNICEF. Rights groups warn that early marriage increases health risks and limits education and economic opportunities, fuelling a debate that shows no sign of easing.