Rawalpindi : The Rawalpindi Local Government has issued a clarification regarding its recent directive on the registration of marriages, following misinformation suggesting that the authorities have banned love or court marriages. This interpretation is entirely incorrect and misleading.
The Deputy Director Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Shazia Mumtaz has confirmed that the directive does not restrict or prohibit any form of marriage, including love marriages or those solemnized through court procedures. The actual purpose of the directive is to enforce jurisdictional compliance for marriage registration, in line with the Punjab Local Government Act 2013. Specifically, the Local Government has reiterated that all marriages solemnized within the territorial jurisdiction of Rawalpindi must be registered with the relevant Union Council where the marriage took place. This requirement ensures, Adherence to the law as laid out in the Punjab Local Government Act 2013.
Authentic and verifiable records, including original Nikahnamas and identity documents.
Prevention of underage (child) marriages through proper documentation and verification.
Accurate civil record management and jurisdictional accountability. The clarification comes after reports misrepresented the Local Government's administrative order, giving the false impression that it aimed to ban love or court marriages. "This is not a matter of personal choice or marriage type," she stated. "It is solely about maintaining legal jurisdiction and the integrity of the registration process. The Rawalpindi Local Government urges the public, legal professionals, and marriage registrars to cooperate fully with the directive and ensure that all marriages are registered within the appropriate jurisdiction. Any marriage solemnized within Rawalpindi must be recorded in its respective Union Council, and registrations outside the jurisdiction will be considered invalid, she warned.
This measure strengthens the rule of law, ensures legal protection for all parties, and plays a critical role in curbing unlawful practices, particularly child marriage, Deputy Director Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Shazia Mumtaz said.
