ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has officially signed into law a landmark bill aimed at curbing child marriage in Pakistan, marking a significant step towards protecting the rights of minors and promoting social reform across the country.
The new legislation, passed recently by the Parliament, raises the minimum legal age for marriage to 18 years for both girls and boys. It imposes stricter penalties on individuals and guardians who arrange or facilitate marriages involving minors. The law also mandates government agencies and civil society organizations to raise awareness about the harms of child marriage and to support affected children.
Speaking after signing the bill, President Zardari emphasized the urgent need to address child marriage, calling it “a violation of basic human rights that undermines the health, education, and future of our children.” He pledged the government’s full commitment to implementing the law effectively and ensuring the welfare of young Pakistanis.
Child marriage remains a pressing issue in Pakistan, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas where traditional customs and economic pressures often lead families to marry off their children at a young age. According to UNICEF, approximately 18% of Pakistani girls are married before the age of 18, placing the country among those with the highest child marriage rates globally.
The new law aims to change this troubling trend by legally protecting minors and making child marriage a punishable offense. It also calls for stronger monitoring mechanisms and collaboration between law enforcement, judiciary, and social welfare departments to intervene in suspected cases.
The bill had faced opposition from some conservative political and religious groups who argued that marriage age decisions should remain a family or community matter. However, proponents, including women’s rights activists, child welfare organizations, and many lawmakers, argued that protecting children’s rights and health must take precedence.
International human rights organizations have welcomed the legislation, highlighting it as a positive move toward aligning Pakistan’s laws with global standards, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Pakistan has ratified.
Experts say that while the law is a crucial step, its success depends on rigorous enforcement, widespread public education, and addressing the socio-economic factors that perpetuate child marriage. The government has promised to launch awareness campaigns and mobilize resources to support these efforts.
With this new law, Pakistan signals a commitment to safeguarding its youth and advancing gender equality, education, and health outcomes nationwide.
