Multi-Stakeholder Meeting Advocates for Ending Child Marriages in Pakistan
21 May 2025: A meeting was organized in District Layyah to discuss strategies for eliminating child marriages. Representatives from the population Welfare department, Bar Association, Health department, Education department, LHWs, social activist, youth leader and religious leader actively participated in the event.
The President of Bar association commended the recent amendment to the Child Marriage Act at the National Assembly .He emphasized that early marriages harm girls’ education, health, and relationships, leading to increased divorce rates.
Representative from health department stressed that preventing early marriages is crucial to reducing Mother Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).
The Education department representative noted that awareness and a thinking process are more important than curriculum. “Educated mothers lead to a progressive nation, resolving health and societal issues,” she added.
A Social activist emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace and nature, which cannot condone marrying a girl who still needs care and protection from her parents.
Mr. Shahzad from the Population department appreciated the organization’s efforts, acknowledging that his department is engaged in social behavior change through counseling and community outreach and PODA is actually contributing in a positive way.
A representative from the Bar Association pledged support, offering to collaborate and provide services to combat child marriages.
Religious leaders emphasized that Islam promotes peace and that the government’s decision to set a minimum age for marriage is crucial in suiting societal circumstances.
All stakeholders agreed to support the amendment of the girl’s marriage age and promised to engage their respective MPAs and influencers to advocate for this cause.
Suggestions
- Awareness sessions for community should be arranged on larger scale
- Government should announce a compulsory fitness certificate for marriage to prevent from health issues like thalassemia
