No cousin marriages: Pakistan's KP assembly passes bill to legalise Kalash marriages
- Last updated: July 22, 2026 | 18:18
The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in Pakistan has provided legal protection and formal registration for marriages within the Kalash community in Chitral district.
To the effect, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has passed the Kalash Marriage Bill 2026.
It was moved by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Law Aftab Alam.
Under the bill, marriages will be valid only with the free consent of both parties.
The minimum age for marriage has been fixed at 18 years, while sound mental health has also been made a prerequisite.
The bill prohibits marriages within prohibited degrees of relationship, including cousin marriages within the Kalash community.
It makes the registration of Kalash marriages mandatory through registrars appointed at the local level. Records of marriages, divorces and separations will be maintained by the relevant government offices.
However, divorce and dissolution of marriage will continue to be carried out in accordance with Kalash traditions.
On inheritance, the bill states that following the death of a husband, property rights will be governed by the traditional customs of the Kalash community.
It also provides for penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for offences such as furnishing false information or failing to register a marriage.
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly also witnessed heated exchanges over the suspension of mobile phone and internet services in Bannu, Bajaur and Tank, with both treasury and opposition members expressing serious concern over the hardship faced by residents.
Treasury lawmaker Pukhtoon Yar Khan raised a point of order, saying mobile phone networks in Bannu district had remained completely suspended for several days.
“It gives the impression that a curfew has been imposed in the district and daily life has been paralysed,” he said.