Child marriages are common in the Subcontinent. In Pakistan, especially in the rural areas, girls ranging between the ages of 8 and 14 are married off. Such circumstances lead to illiteracy and lack of independence among women. Girls who are married at early ages often face health issues as well.
According to the ‘Child Marriage Restrain Act 1929’ no girl under the age of 16 and boy under the age of 18 is allowed to get married in Pakistan but unfortunately this law is not being followed. We hope that this time the government, along with international organisations, takes serious steps for the implementation of laws against child marriages. This issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible in order to restore the future of young girls living in the rural areas of Pakistan.
Misha Khan
Lahore
