Punjab makes history by recognizing Sikh marriages

Punjab has made history by passing the Sikh Marriage Bill that legalizes Sikh marriages in the province, making Pakistan the first country in the world where Sikh marriages will be registered.

The bill called 'The Punjab Anand Karaj Act 2017' was tabled by provincial minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora in 2017, local media reported.

According to the bill, in order to enter and register Sikh marriages in the marriage registry, each union council shall grant a license to the couple. No male or female of the Sikh community below the age of 18 years can solemnize marriages under the law.

The Anand Karaj (the lawful union of a Sikh male and Sikh female) would be performed in accordance with the religious practices of Sikhs. The ceremony would be performed by a male or female called a 'Granthi' who would read out from Guru Granth Sahib. The newly married will then be provided with a certificate issued by a registrar who will be appointed by the Punjab government.