The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has introduced a new bill aimed at formally regulating marriage registrations within the Kalash community while preserving its cultural traditions.
Provincial Local Government Minister Mina Khan Afridi presented the Kalash Marriage Bill 2026 in the provincial assembly, proposing a structured legal framework to govern marriages, divorces, and related family matters within the community.
Under the proposed legislation, marriage will require the free and mutual consent of both parties. The minimum legal age for marriage has been set at 18 years, and both individuals must be of sound mental health at the time of marriage.
One of the key provisions of the bill is a complete ban on cousin marriages within the Kalash community, representing a significant shift in the community’s marital regulations. At the same time, the draft law also seeks to preserve and legally protect traditional Kalash customs and cultural practices.
The legislation requires all marriages to be officially registered through designated local registrars, with government offices maintaining proper records of marriages, divorces, and separations.
According to the bill, divorce-related matters, including separation and “khula,” will continue to be handled in accordance with Kalash customary practices. The inheritance rights of widows after the death of a husband will also remain governed under traditional community norms.
The proposed law further includes penalties such as fines and imprisonment for individuals found providing false information or violating its provisions.
After its introduction, the Speaker of the Assembly referred the Kalash Marriage Bill 2026 to the relevant committee for detailed review and consultation before final approval.
