The Punjab government has decided to impose new restrictions and eligibility criteria on nikah registrars as part of efforts to curb child marriages and make the marriage registration system more transparent.
Under the new rules, nikah registrars will not be allowed to register marriages outside their designated jurisdiction or assigned area.
Authorities have also introduced stricter eligibility requirements for appointment as a nikah registrar. Candidates will be required to meet the prescribed educational criteria and secure at least 90 per cent marks in a test covering marriage laws, rules and registration procedures.
Individuals without basic computer and technical skills will no longer be eligible for appointment. Those unable to use the internet or operate a mobile phone will also be barred from serving as nikah registrars.
The new rules further require nikah registrars to complete the marriage registration process and submit all relevant records to the concerned Union Council within seven days.
People facing criminal cases or having a criminal record will also be ineligible for appointment as nikah registrars.
Officials said the measures aim to strengthen oversight of the marriage registration process and prevent violations of the legally prescribed marriageable age, particularly in cases involving child marriages.
