Authorities in former FR Peshawar have issued a comprehensive set of instructions aimed at preventing underage marriages and ensuring stricter compliance with marriage registration laws.

The directives were released by the local government assistant director, who instructed all council secretaries to strictly follow the rules without exception.

The move comes amid growing concerns about unverified and improperly documented marriages in the region.

According to the correspondence, no application for marriage involving an underage applicant may be processed without thorough age verification. Marriage officials must check a NADRA registration form, school certificate, or birth certificate before registering the marriage.

The order stresses that the rules must be followed rigorously to prevent the approval of any underage marriage.

Divorce, widow remarriage, second marriages

Officials have been instructed to verify divorce certificates and khula documents in all cases involving previously dissolved marriages. For widows, attaching the husband’s death certificate is now mandatory before registering a new marriage.

Additionally, permission from the competent authority will be required for any second marriage, ensuring proper regulation and transparency.

Marriage registrars ordered to maintain complete records

The assistant director directed that all marriages must be recorded in the council’s official marriage register, and complete documentation must be attached with the annual marriage registration return.

Officials have also been instructed to immediately upload registration records into the MIS system, eliminating delays and ensuring digital traceability.

A ban has been imposed on unnecessary delays, and timely disposal of marriage registration files has been made compulsory.

Responsibility to educate local officials

Village secretaries have been tasked with briefing chairmen, council members, and marriage registrars about the new rules.
The goal is to ensure consistent awareness and implementation across all administrative tiers.

Authorities say these measures will strengthen oversight, reduce loopholes, and better protect minors from illegal and undocumented marriages.