Pakistan Raises Minimum Legal Marriage Age for Christians to 18

Pakistan has raised the minimum legal marriage age for Christians to 18 years, amending a law from 1872. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the amendment. Previously, Christian males and females could marry at 16 and 13. The move was welcomed by human rights activists and Christian organizations.

In a significant legal reform, Pakistan has raised the minimum legal age for marriage to 18 for the Christian community, previously set at 16 for men and 13 for women.

The amendment to the 1872 Christian Marriage Act was approved by President Asif Ali Zardari, following unanimous approval by the National Assembly earlier this month.

This legislative change has been warmly received by human rights activists and Christian groups, who have long advocated for it. President Zardari highlighted equal rights for minorities, emphasizing their equal stake in the nation, while Bishop Abraham Daniel expressed gratitude for Zardari's support and previous contributions to minority rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)