Islamabad: The law declaring marriage under 18 years offence has been challenged in Federal Shariat Court (FSC). According to media report, a petition in this regard has been filed in FSC by Mufti Muhammad Aslam through Mudassar Chaudhry advocate making governor Punjab through secretary and other respective authorities respondents.

The petitioner took the plea that clause 2 (D), clause-3 and other respective clauses of Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance -2026 are in conflict with the constitution. According to petitioner declaring marriage below 18 years crime is against the sharia as well.

The petition said state is empowered to legislate regarding order and control and administrative matters. However it is not permitted to interfere in the matters related to Sharia. On this basis it is requested to court that the step for declaring marriage below 18 years offence be declared null and void.

The petitioner has requested FSC to nullify clause 2 (C), 2 (D) and other relevant clauses of Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance -2026. Order be also issued for suspending the implementation of the ordinance till final decision of the petition.