The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has rejected the recently passed Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025, which prohibits marriage under the age of eighteen, calling it inconsistent with Islamic teachings.
During a meeting led by Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, the council reviewed the bill introduced by MNA Sharmila Faruqi and passed by the National Assembly in May. The legislation seeks to end child marriages by banning the registration of any marriage where either party is under eighteen and sets punishments including fines and imprisonment for violations.
The CII criticized parts of the bill that classify marriage under eighteen as sexual assault and impose related penalties, stating these provisions contradict Islamic law. The council also expressed concern that the bill was not submitted to them for consultation before being approved.
In addition to opposing the marriage age restriction, the CII recommended making thalassemia testing before marriage optional rather than mandatory, to avoid unnecessary complications. The council also opposed forced dowry practices, declaring them against Islamic principles.
The meeting reaffirmed that women have the right to choose their residence after marriage and ruled that after the iddat period, a divorced husband is no longer financially responsible for his ex-wife.
The council further discussed proposed amendments to Muslim family laws and addressed questions regarding Islamic finance and accountability issues.