In a decisive move to curb the rising trend of runaway and love marriages conducted within court premises, the Government of Punjab has prohibited all Union Councils (UCs) across Rawalpindi district from registering Nikah Namas (marriage contracts) solemnised in district or tehsil courts.

The Local Government and Community Development Department (LG&CDD) has formally issued a notification stating that no Nikah performed inside or around court premises will be registered by any UC within the district.
The notification was circulated under No. DDLG/RWP/886, dated October 6, 2025, by the Deputy Director of Local Government, Rawalpindi.

Strict Action for Violations:

The circular carries strong warnings for violators.
Union Council secretaries and Nikah registrars who attempt to register such marriages will face:

Criminal prosecution

Administrative penalties including:

Cancellation of Nikah registrar licences

Termination from government service

Scope of the Order:

The directive has been sent to all 182 Union Councils under the District Council and Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi, as well as registrars and supervisory staff in all tehsil councils.

It clearly states that any marriage solemnised on court premises or their vicinity will not be legally registered by the local government authorities.

Legal and Social Implications:

This move appears aimed at discouraging young couples from seeking quick court marriages without family consent. However, it also raises legal questions about the rights of consenting adults under Pakistani law, particularly regarding freedom to marry and recognition of valid Nikahs under Islamic jurisprudence.

Bottom Line:

The new directive signifies the government’s intention to regulate marriage registration more strictly and ensure that all unions follow due legal and social processes.
Citizens are advised to perform and register Nikahs through authorised Nikah registrars in their respective Union Councils to avoid legal complications in the future.