ISLAMABAD – Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday allowed a 15-year-old girl to live with her husband, ruling that while underage marriage is not void under Shariah, it is considered a criminal offense under statutory law. In its verdict, the court observed that under Shariah, marriage after puberty and with consent is valid. However, according to the Islamabad Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025, marriage below the age of 18 constitutes a criminal offense. The judgment also referenced the Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929 and the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961. The council further opined that the marriage should be kept free from unnecessary legal complications in line with Islamic teachings.