Unfortunately, Pakistan is currently the sixth-highest country in the world for girls getting married before they turn 18 years old. In Pakistan, child marriage is a distressing and pervasive issue. The persistence of this issue is attributed to a variety of factors, including deeply ingrained traditions, economic inequality, limited access to education, and a lack of security. In this comprehensive article, we will look at the key components of child marriage in Pakistan, its root causes, and the urgent need for intervention.

Alarming Statistics: Child Marriage in Pakistan Is a Reality

To understand the seriousness of the child marriage issue in Pakistan, one must take a close look at the depressing statistics. A startling 3.6% of girls under the age of 15 are reportedly forced into early marriages, according to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) for the years 2017–2018. Even more shocking is the fact that 18.3% of Pakistani girls who marry are under the age of 18. Unbelievably, 21% of Pakistani girls are married off before the age of 18, and alarmingly, 3% are married off before the age of even 15. This is according to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). These numbers, however, do not accurately reflect the situation.

The Root Causes of Child Marriage

1. Tradition and Custom

The pervasive influence of tradition and custom is one of the biggest factors causing child marriage in Pakistan. These traditions mandate early marriage for girls in many rural and conservative communities. Families follow these customs, frequently without taking into account the detrimental effects on their daughters' lives.

2. Slumber

Economic considerations are very important in child marriages. Poor families may believe that marrying off their daughters when they are young will ease their financial burden. Some people choose to get married young as a compromise because they believe that dowries and other wedding costs are unaffordable.

 

Child Marriage in Pakistan: A Deep-Seated Issue that Demands Urgent Action

Unfortunately, Pakistan is currently the sixth-highest country in the world for girls getting married before they turn 18 years old. In Pakistan, child marriage is a distressing and pervasive issue. The persistence of this issue is attributed to a variety of factors, including deeply ingrained traditions, economic inequality, limited access to education, and a lack of security. In this comprehensive article, we will look at the key components of child marriage in Pakistan, its root causes, and the urgent need for intervention..

Alarming Statistics: Child Marriage in Pakistan Is a Reality

To understand the seriousness of the child marriage issue in Pakistan, one must take a close look at the depressing statistics. A startling 3.6% of girls under the age of 15 are reportedly forced into early marriages, according to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) for the years 2017–2018. Even more shocking is the fact that 18.3% of Pakistani girls who marry are under the age of 18. Unbelievably, 21% of Pakistani girls are married off before the age of 18, and alarmingly, 3% are married off before the age of even 15. This is according to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). These numbers, however, do not accurately reflect the situation.

The Root Causes of Child Marriage

1. Tradition and Custom

The pervasive influence of tradition and custom is one of the biggest factors causing child marriage in Pakistan. These traditions mandate early marriage for girls in many rural and conservative communities. Families follow these customs, frequently without taking into account the detrimental effects on their daughters' lives.

2. Slumber

Economic considerations are very important in child marriages. Poor families may believe that marrying off their daughters when they are young will ease their financial burden. Some people choose to get married young as a compromise because they believe that dowries and other wedding costs are unaffordable.

3. Lack of Knowledge

The lack of awareness among communities represents a significant barrier in the fight against child marriage. Many families are not aware of the negative effects on their children's wellbeing and the legal repercussions. The cycle of early marriages is sustained by this ignorance.

4. Limited Educational Access

The ability to access high-quality education is crucial in preventing child marriage. Unfortunately, there are many girls in Pakistan who have difficulty getting an education because there aren't any schools nearby, there are cultural biases against female education, or they are concerned about their safety as they travel to school.

5. Security Issues

Girls in Pakistan are at risk for early marriages because they lack access to legal and social protections. Lax enforcement and a lack of strict laws make the problem worse.

Intervention Is Needed Immediately

The crisis of child marriage in Pakistan must be addressed for moral and legal reasons. To address this firmly entrenched issue, the Pakistani government—at both the federal and provincial levels—must act swiftly and comprehensively. Here are some crucial actions to consider:

1. Legal Changes

Pakistan must make improvements to its legal system to forbid child marriage. To act as a deterrent, strict penalties for those involved in such marriages should be put into effect. Legal measures should also be put in place to guarantee that all marriages are registered.

2. Publicity campaigns

It is important to start extensive awareness campaigns to inform people about the negative effects of child marriage. These campaigns ought to target community members, local authorities, religious authorities, and parents in addition to parents.

3. Financial Assistance

The pressure on vulnerable families to marry off their daughters at a young age can be significantly reduced by initiatives to reduce poverty and offer financial support. Governmental initiatives as well as non-governmental organizations can be extremely important in this regard.

4. Educational Opportunity

Enhancing girls' access to education is crucial. More schools should be built, especially in underserved areas, and the government should emphasize the value of girls' education.

5. Security nets

It is essential to build shelters and safety nets for girls who are at risk of child marriage. These resources can offer protection and assistance to girls in such circumstances.

In conclusion, child marriage is a serious problem in Pakistan that needs to be addressed right away. To end this harmful practice and build a better future for Pakistani girls, the government must collaborate with civil society and international organizations.

 

 

By: Ahmed Ali

Turbat Kech