QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill on Friday amid strong protests by opposition members. The presentation and passage of the bill sparked heated scenes in the House, with opposition lawmakers creating a ruckus and shouting slogans. During the chaos, the opposition encircled the Speaker’s dais and tore copies of the bill.
The session, chaired by Speaker Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, saw the draft law on banning child marriage presented to the House. Speaking on the bill, Leader of the Opposition Younus Zehri said the legislation was against the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah and was being introduced merely to please a non-governmental organization. Responding to this, the Chief Minister stated that the Shariat Court was the highest authority on such matters and its judgement had already been conveyed.
Younus Zehri tore up the agenda documents in protest. As the bill was being presented, opposition members continued their agitation, tearing copies of the bill and throwing them into the air. Despite the uproar, the Child Marriage Restraint Bill was approved by the Assembly.
Opposition MPA Asghar Tareen said that although the bill had been passed in the House, they would challenge it in court. Heated exchanges also took place between government and opposition members during the session. The Speaker adjourned the Balochistan Assembly session until November 17 at 3pm.
