Child marriage, often cloaked in the guise of cultural tradition or economic necessity, remains a profound violation of fundamental human rights. In Pakistan, where poverty and patriarchal norms intersect, young girls are frequently pushed into marriages that rob them of their childhoods. The consequences are devastating. Young brides face heightened risks of maternal mortality, domestic abuse, and chronic poverty.
Education, a gateway to empowerment, is often cut short, leaving girls without the skills or opportunities to build independent lives. These are not isolated tragedies but a widespread crisis that stifles national development and perpetuates cycles of inequality.
A survey’s findings from Sindh and Balochistan paint a particularly grim picture. Nearly six in ten girls in these provinces are married before 18, a rate that underscores the deep-rooted social and economic barriers they face. While these regions show the highest prevalence, child marriage is a national issue, with varying degrees of impact across all provinces. The practice thrives in environments where poverty limits choices, where cultural norms prioritize early marriage over education, and where enforcement of protective laws falters.
Sindh stands out as a pioneer in Pakistan, with the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act of 2013 making it the only province with a dedicated legal framework to combat child marriage. The law is clear: marrying anyone under 18 is a punishable offense, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both for parents, guardians, and those officiating such unions. This legislation is a vital step, setting a minimum age for marriage and signaling a commitment to protecting girls’ rights. Yet, the law’s impact is blunted by a glaring gap in enforcement.
Across Sindh, and indeed the country, the disconnect between policy and practice is stark. Laws alone cannot dismantle deeply ingrained traditions without robust systems to back them up. Weak enforcement, limited awareness, and lack of accountability allow child marriages to persist, even in areas where legal protections exist. Police and local authorities often lack the resources or training to intervene effectively, while communities may view early marriage as a norm rather than a violation. This gap underscores a broader truth: legal frameworks are only as strong as the systems and social will behind them.
Tackling child marriage requires more than policy declarations. It demands a multifaceted approach that weaves together legislation, enforcement, education, and community engagement. Policymakers, law enforcement, educators, civil society, and local communities must work in tandem to create an environment where girls can thrive.
Empowering girls is at the heart of this fight. Education is a powerful antidote, offering girls the tools to envision and pursue their own futures. Yet, access to schooling remains limited in many areas, particularly in rural Sindh and Balochistan, where poverty and early marriage often pull girls out of classrooms. Programs that provide scholarships, safe transport, or community-based learning can keep girls in school longer, delaying marriage and opening doors to opportunity. Equally critical is engaging families and communities to shift social norms. Awareness campaigns, led by local leaders and influencers, can challenge the acceptance of early marriage and highlight its harms.
Economic support is another key piece of the puzzle. Many families turn to child marriage as a coping mechanism for financial hardship, believing it secures their daughters’ futures. Social safety nets, microfinance programs, and vocational training for women can alleviate these pressures, offering families alternatives to early marriage. While Sindh and Balochistan face the highest rates of child marriage, the issue is not confined to these provinces. It exists in varying degrees across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and beyond, requiring a coordinated national response. The federal government must lead by example, harmonizing provincial laws to set a consistent minimum age for marriage and ensuring enforcement mechanisms are in place. Partnerships with civil society can amplify these efforts, bringing grassroots insights to the table.
Moreover, data-driven strategies are essential. Regular monitoring and transparent reporting can track progress, identify gaps, and hold authorities accountable. Investing in girls’ health, education, and empowerment not only addresses child marriage but also fuels broader social and economic progress. Every girl who stays in school, avoids early pregnancy, and enters the workforce strengthens Pakistan’s future.
Ending child marriage is not just a legal obligation—it’s a moral and economic imperative. Every girl married off too soon is a lost opportunity for innovation, leadership, and growth. By protecting their dignity and expanding their choices, Pakistan can unlock the potential of half its population. It’s time to move beyond dialogue to decisive action—strengthening laws, enforcing accountability, and empowering communities to say no to child marriage.
As Pakistan looks to its future, the path is clear: invest in girls, dismantle barriers, and build a society where every child has the freedom to dream. The 60 percent of girls in Sindh and Balochistan married before 18 are not just numbers—they are daughters, sisters, and future leaders. Their stories, and their potential, demand that we act now.