Lahore: Pakistan has made history by becoming the first country in the world to pass and implement the Sikh Marriage Act.
The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Sikh Marriage Act 2018, marking a significant step toward the recognition of Sikh matrimonial rights.
Under this landmark legislation, the Punjab government has appointed Sardar Palvinder Singh and Sardar Daljit Singh as marriage registrars in Nankana Sahib. They have officially begun registering Sikh marriages and issuing computerized marriage certificates under the new law.
The government has also appointed marriage registrars in other cities across Punjab to facilitate implementation. With the enforcement of this act, long-standing issues faced by the Sikh community—particularly regarding inheritance rights and the issuance of identity documents—are expected to be resolved.
A groom who came to register his marriage under the new act expressed his joy, stating, “This is a moment of great happiness for the Sikh community. For the first time, the Government of Pakistan has officially recognized Sikh marriages.” He added that now his wife would be able to obtain a national identity card bearing his name, and expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Pakistan and Member of the Punjab Assembly, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, for their efforts in passing the act.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, who played a key role in the bill's approval, stated that by passing the Sikh Marriage Act, the Punjab government has won the hearts of Sikhs around the world.
According to the Sikh Marriage Act 2018, the registration of marriages involving individuals under the age of 18 is prohibited, thereby aligning with child protection laws.
The implementation of this act is a historic and inclusive move that addresses the legal and civil documentation challenges faced by the Sikh community in Pakistan.
