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In a landmark move to protect minority rights and preserve cultural heritage, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has passed the Kalash Marriage Bill 2026, formally recognising marriages within the indigenous Kalash community and establishing a comprehensive legal framework.
Provincial Local Government Minister Mina Khan Afridi introduced the bill, which was drafted in conjunction with the Kalash leader Wazir Zada. It also seeks to control family legislation to the small yet culturally diverse Kalash community estimated to have approximately 4,000 residents in Pakistan.
The prohibition of cousin marriages, as well as the establishment of a minimum age of marriage at 18 years of age, is one of the most important stipulations of the act. The law further compels marriage registration, which guarantees the community access to legal recognition and protection of couples.
In addition to regulating marriages, the bill safeguards inheritance rights and formally recognises unique Kalash customs, including traditional purification rituals. According to legislators, the bill is a compromise between cultural identity and the right to fundamental rights.
The bill is being widely discussed as a historic move towards enhancing minority protection in Pakistan, giving the Kalash people long-awaited legal status without compromising their unique traditions.
Observers note that this development reflects a broader effort to promote inclusivity and cultural diversity within the country’s legal framework.
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