Lahore: Lahore High Court (LHC) has observed that living a married life with underage child will be child abuse despite consent.

The consent of child is important but welfare of child is paramount. Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act-2026 changed law related to underage marriage. Marriage with person below 18 years is child marriage. Living married life with underage child will be child abuse despite the consent, the court remarked.

Justice Manwar Iqbal Dogar issued an 11-page saying consent of a girl below 18 years does not give her legal right to live with adult.

Decision said that sexual relations with a minor resulting from a child marriage can carry a prison sentence of five to seven years.

The court further stated that the offence of child abuse could also attract a fine of at least Rs1 million.

It was said in the decision the age of Hina Aslam in the present case was approximately 15 years and two months old at the time of the alleged marriage. According to NADRA records date of birth of Hina Aslam is March 1, 2011.

The court ordered that the girl should not be allowed to leave with the alleged husband.

The court ordered to place minor girl in the protective custody of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau. Any meeting between the girl and her parents or alleged husband must take place under supervision, the court ordered.

The court also ordered an investigation into allegations of child marriage and a fake Nikahnama. It set aside the decision of the Justice of Peace, Kasur, and directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of B Division Police Station, Kasur, to register a case in accordance with the law.

The court remarked registration of FIR is not tantamount to declare some one at fault. Guardian judge Lahore will decide about the permanent custody of Hina Aslam.