KALASH: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly has passed the Kalash Marriage Bill, 2026, establishing a formal legal framework for the conduct and registration of marriages within the Kalash community.
The law mandates that all marriages must be entered into freely and with mutual consent from both parties. It also specifies that both individuals should be at least 18 years old and mentally capable of giving consent. Marriages that violate legal prohibitions, including those involving forbidden relationships, will be disallowed.
Additionally, the legislation prohibits marriages between first cousins within the Kalash community to uphold community norms. To ensure proper documentation, every Kalash marriage will require mandatory registration through a designated local registrar, aimed at providing legal recognition and reducing difficulties caused by the lack of formal records.
The law specifically applies to members of the Kalash faith, incorporating community traditions into the rules for marriage solemnisation and registration. It also outlines provisions for inheritance and property rights after a spouse’s death, aligning them with traditional Kalash customs while complying with legal standards.
Penalties and fines are prescribed for violations such as providing false information or neglecting to register a marriage. The bill, initially introduced in April, was sent to a relevant committee for detailed review and consultation before its final approval.
This legislation aims to safeguard Kalash families by officially recognizing their marriage customs, establishing a legal record of family status, and clarifying rights related to inheritance and other familial matters.
