CII Rejects Underage Marriage Ban, Calls It “Un-Islamic”

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) rejected a bill criminalizing marriage under 18 in Islamabad Capital Territory, deeming it contrary to Sharia, The Express Tribune reported. The council also opposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s proposed child marriage ban, criticizing its lack of prior review.

While supporting voluntary thalassemia testing, CII opposed making it mandatory (as in Sindh’s 2013 law) and condemned dowry practices. It affirmed women’s right to choose post-marriage domicile and clarified husbands’ financial obligations post-divorce.

A committee will review Section 7 of the “Muslim Family Laws Amendment Bill 2025” per the Religious Affairs Ministry’s request. The council also addressed NAB inquiries on Islamic finance mechanisms.