Rawalpindi, October 8, 2025:
Authorities in Rawalpindi have officially banned the registration of court marriages across the district, issuing strict instructions to all Union Councils to stop registering marriages solemnised within court premises.
According to the new directive, Union Council secretaries and Nikah registrars have been warned that any violation of the order will result in disciplinary action, including cancellation of licenses and possible dismissal from service.
The decision affects all 182 Union Councils within the jurisdiction of the District Council and Municipal Corporation of Rawalpindi. Officials stated that the move was taken in response to an increasing number of marriages being conducted in court complexes, often involving young couples seeking legal protection.
Local authorities emphasized that the new rule aims to ensure that marriage procedures are conducted under proper community and family oversight. However, the decision has sparked debate among citizens and legal experts, with critics arguing that it could restrict the constitutional rights of consenting adults to marry freely.
The administration has vowed strict enforcement of the ban, with continuous monitoring of Nikah registrars and legal offices in the district.
