Rawalpindi, August 1, 2025: Under the project “Reduce Early Marriages to Enhance Gender Equality” supported by the Norwegian Embassy in Islamabad, PODA’s Project Manager, Nabeela Aslam, met with Member Provincial Assembly Punjab, Muhammad Bilal Yameen Satti, and briefed him on PODA’s initiatives to safeguard the rights of women, girls, and vulnerable communities.

She highlighted recent legal developments in Sindh and ICT, where laws have been enacted setting the minimum marriage age for both girls and boys at 18 years, urging the MPA to pursue similar legislation in Punjab, the most populous province.

Mr. Bilal reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring the protection of girls’ rights and appreciated PODA’s efforts in raising awareness and mobilizing communities. He further assured his support in initiating efforts within the provincial assembly to end child marriages and promote gender equality. The meeting was also attended by Ibrahim Mirza, Researcher for Climate Change.