Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Lawmakers Review Sikh Marriage Recognition Bill

Lawmakers, government officials, and Sikh community representatives met in Peshawar to review the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sikh Anand Kaaraj Bill, 2026. The proposed legislation seeks to provide full legal recognition and protection for Sikh marriages within the province by establishing a formal framework for the solemnization of Anand Kaaraj, compulsory registration, and the issuance of marriage certificates.

Gurpal Singh, Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on Minorities, advocated for the legislation, noting that the community had long required an effective legal mechanism for marriage registration and family matters. The bill mandates that both parties be at least 18 years old and provide free consent. It also includes provisions for the licensing of Anand Kaaraj Registrars to ensure validity for civil purposes, including identity documentation, guardianship, and inheritance.

Under the proposed law, Family Courts would hold jurisdiction over matrimonial matters. The bill must now be vetted by the law department and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation and the provincial cabinet before it is presented to the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for final approval.