KP Sikh Anand Kaaraj Bill Moves Forward in Legislative Process
PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Sep, 2026)
Parliamentarians, government officials, representatives of the Sikh community, and human rights institutions reviewed the proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sikh Anand Kaaraj Bill, 2026, discussing its key provisions and the remaining steps before it is presented to the provincial legislature.
The briefing, organized by the Parliamentary Caucus on Minorities, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, in collaboration with Blue Veins and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), was attended by:
- Members of Minority Caucus
- Members of Provincial Assembly
- Minority representatives
- Officials of the provincial government
- Assembly Secretariat
- Civil society members
- Media personnel
Proposed Legislation Overview
The proposed legislation aims to replace the outdated framework of the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 with a comprehensive provincial system governing:
- Solemnization and registration of Sikh marriages
- Arbitration and dissolution processes
- Matrimonial rights, maintenance, custody, and legal recognition of registered marriages
Key Features and Provisions
- Marriage Age: Sets the minimum marriage age at 18 years for both parties.
- Consent: Emphasizes the need for free and full consent, considering any consent obtained through force, fraud, coercion, misrepresentation, or undue influence as invalid.
- Registration: Makes the registration of Sikh marriages mandatory and outlines the licensing process for Anand Kaaraj Registrars through the Local Government Department.
Next Steps
After vetting by the Law Department, the Bill will be sent to the Cabinet Committee on Legislation for approval. Following cabinet approval, it will be placed before the Provincial Cabinet.
Quotes from Key Figures:
Asker Pervaiz, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on Minorities and Member of the Provincial Assembly:
“The legislation is designed to provide the Sikh community with a responsive legal framework while respecting their religious traditions. The Parliamentary Caucus will continue to facilitate consultation as the Bill moves forward.”
Baba G. Gurpal Singh, Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on Minorities and Member of the Provincial Assembly:
“This legislation addresses a long-standing need for an effective mechanism governing Sikh marriages, recognizing Anand Kaaraj while providing practical mechanisms for registration, documentation, and matrimonial matters.”