KP Event Highlights Child Marriage Policy Gaps

Imran Takkar

Peshawar: Amidst the echoes of resilience and determination, a united front emerged in Peshawar to confront a societal crisis that continues to claim the dreams of countless young girls: child marriage.

Every year, 12 million girls worldwide are forced into marriage before they turn 18, and in Pakistan, 18.3 percent of such unions involve minors, with 3.6 percent being even younger than 15. These are not mere numbers they are stolen futures and diminished potential, contributing to a troublingly high neonatal mortality rate in the country.

On December 9, 2024, as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a powerful gathering took place at the University of Peshawar.

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Hosted by Group Development Pakistan (GDP) in collaboration with the university’s Department of Criminology, the event brought together activists, students, academics, and government officials under one roof to combat child marriage in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

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The day began with an evocative historical overview by Ali Hassan, a staunch advocate for children’s rights. “This fight is not just about addressing statistics; it’s about dismantling a harmful cultural mindset,” he declared. His words resonated with attendees, setting a serious tone for the day’s deliberations.

Ijaz Muhammad Khan, Deputy Chief of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission, outlined the province’s ongoing efforts to address child marriage.

From legal frameworks to rehabilitation programs, Khan emphasized the need for collective action. “The journey to change is challenging, but with persistent and coordinated efforts, it is achievable,” he said, urging for greater collaboration between government bodies and civil society.

The event highlighted the critical role of youth in challenging entrenched norms. Prof. Dr. Basharat Hussain, Chairperson of the Department of Criminology, spoke with conviction about the transformative power of young voices.

“Youth are the torchbearers of change,” he remarked, “Their passion and innovative thinking can reshape societal attitudes towards early marriage.”

Students brought fresh perspectives to the discussion. Maryam Wahab delved into the socio-economic factors fueling child marriages and advocated for community-centered education programs to address root causes.

Romaysa Hashmi added urgency to the dialogue by detailing how early marriage stifles educational opportunities and future economic independence for young girls.

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As the discussions unfolded, a roadmap to tackle this pressing issue began to take shape.

Said Rehman, Director of the KP Local Government & Rural Development Department, called for strengthening marriage registration systems, enhancing oversight of nikah registrars, and empowering those involved in the marriage process through capacity-building initiatives.

The event concluded with a resounding call to action: the fight against child marriage is a collective responsibility that demands sustained effort and unwavering commitment.

Through open dialogue, innovative solutions, and youth-led advocacy, a brighter future is within reach for Pakistan’s girls.

This gathering was not just an event but a pivotal moment in the campaign for the Child Marriage Restraint Act (CMRA), which aims to raise the legal age for marriage and safeguard the rights of young girls.

It was a testament to the power of collaboration in challenging deeply rooted traditions and working towards an equitable society where every girl has the opportunity to dream, thrive, and succeed.