Ending Child Marriages in Pakistan to Safeguard the Future of Our Girls

Child marriages remain a grave and persistent issue in Pakistan, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Although both boys and girls suffer from early marriages, it is young girls who bear the brunt of this age-old custom, primarily due to the prevalence of gender inequality and patriarchal cultural norms. Weak legislation and the lack of concerted efforts to address the root causes perpetuate this harmful practice, leaving the future of young girls at risk.

The statistics are alarming and reveal the urgent need for action. According to a report by Sahil, an Islamabad-based NGO working for child protection, there were 119 reported cases of child marriages in 2020. Shockingly, 95 percent of these cases involved girls, robbing them of their childhood and limiting their life opportunities. UNICEF’s ranking of Pakistan as the sixth-highest country for child brides globally further emphasizes the severity of the problem.

Child marriage is a severe form of sexual abuse, robbing children of their childhood and hindering their development. Girls forced into early marriage are more likely to drop out of school, exacerbating gender disparity.

The consequences of child marriages for girls are profound and far-reaching. Denied access to education, their physical and psychological well-being is jeopardized, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and limited opportunities. This is evident in the Gender Parity Index in Pakistan, where the enrollment of girls in primary schools is significantly lower compared to boys.

The factors contributing to the persistence of child marriages are interwoven and complex. Weak legislation, lack of political will, and religious beliefs often serve as justifications for this practice. Additionally, extreme poverty and illiteracy, particularly prevalent in tribal and feudal societal structures, exacerbate the issue. Forced conversions, such as Hindu and Christian girls marrying older Muslim men, add to the prevalence of child marriages, further compromising the rights and autonomy of young girls.

The inadequate birth registration system aggravates the problem by allowing for the manipulation of a girl’s age during marriage. The lack of accurate age verification perpetuates child marriages and impedes effective interventions.

To effectively address this pressing issue, a comprehensive approach is imperative. Empowering local government bodies to enforce legal safeguards, free from external religious or custom-based consultations, can serve as a crucial step in curbing underage marriages. Making CNIC mandatory for marriage registration will ensure accurate age verification and help prevent child marriages.

Furthermore, a nationwide awareness campaign and the involvement of National Human Rights institutions are crucial in transforming societal mindsets and generating effective policy recommendations.

Promoting education for every child, particularly girls, is a powerful tool to combat child marriages. Providing access to quality education will empower young girls to make informed decisions about their lives, breaking free from the cycle of early marriages and leading healthier, more empowered lives.

Child marriages in Pakistan demand urgent and concerted action from all segments of society. By addressing the root causes, fostering gender equality, and prioritizing education, we can create a brighter and more inclusive future for Pakistan, where the rights and well-being of every child, especially young girls, are protected and nurtured. Only through collective effort can we ensure a society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and build a better tomorrow.