ISLAMABAD: In response to the alarming rise in child marriages and their detrimental impact on young lives, the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), in collaboration with leading women’s rights organizations, has launched a nationwide campaign to set the legal minimum age of marriage at 18 years across Pakistan.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, NCSW Chairperson Ume Laila Azhar welcomed the recent passage of the ICT Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025, calling it a significant step forward. “Following Sindh, it is heartening to see that Islamabad has now recognized 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage. We demand a similar law at the national level to protect the rights and futures of our children,” she said.
“This is not just about marriage; it’s about education, health, and the future of our next generations. Child marriage is a form of exploitation that we must end. Our campaign will advocate for uniformity in child marriage laws throughout the country,” she added.
Fehmida Iqbal, a renowned gender expert, presented alarming statistics, revealing that 18% of girls in Pakistan are married before the age of 18, and 54% become pregnant before reaching adulthood, significantly endangering both maternal and child health. “These numbers underscore the urgency of action,” she emphasized.
Saman Ahsan, women’s affairs expert, argued that many Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, have already established 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage. “If minors are not deemed mature enough to vote or drive, how can they be expected to shoulder the responsibilities of marriage and parenthood?” she questioned.
She further stressed the need for a nationwide social awareness movement, urging collaboration between religious scholars, legislators, civil society, and communities to ensure the protection and empowerment of young girls.
The NCSW’s campaign seeks to ensure legal consistency across Pakistan and build a broad-based consensus to eradicate child marriage and ensure a healthier, more equitable future for all children.
