In a historic move, the Parliament of Pakistan has passed a law banning marriages for individuals under the age of 18. The legislation, which received broad bipartisan support, aims to protect children from the harms of early marriage and align national laws with international human rights standards.
Key Provisions of the New Law
The new law explicitly prohibits the marriage of any person below 18 years of age. It nullifies any existing customs or practices that allowed underage marriages, and imposes strict penalties on violators, including parents, guardians, and officiants who facilitate such unions. The law also mandates registration of all marriages to ensure compliance.
Penalties and Enforcement
Those found guilty of arranging or participating in a child marriage could face imprisonment of up to five years and fines. The law also establishes special courts to expedite cases related to child marriages. Provincial governments are tasked with implementing awareness campaigns to educate communities about the legal age of marriage.
Reactions and Implications
Human rights organizations have praised the move, calling it a significant step towards ending child marriage in Pakistan. According to UNICEF, Pakistan has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with nearly 18% of girls married before 18. The law is expected to help reduce these numbers and improve health and education outcomes for girls.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about enforcement in rural areas where traditional practices are deeply entrenched. The government has assured that it will work with local leaders and religious scholars to ensure the law's acceptance and implementation.
The passage of this law marks a major milestone in Pakistan's efforts to protect children's rights and promote gender equality. It is hoped that this legislation will serve as a model for other countries in the region.
