KARACHI: The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) participated in a high-level Roundtable Discussion on Ending Child Marriage in Pakistan, organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW) at the Ramada Plaza, Karachi. The event, part of the “Learning Across Provinces: Advancing Child Marriage Legislation” initiative, brought together legislators, civil society, law enforcement officials, and development partners to review progress and strengthen collaboration in combating child marriage.
Representing the Commission as Guest of Honour, Mr. Agha Fakhur Hussain, Secretary SHRC, reiterated the Commission’s firm commitment to upholding the rights of children and promoting gender equality across Sindh. He highlighted that Sindh led the nation in 2013 by passing the Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act, which sets 18 years as the minimum legal age for marriage.
“This progressive law reflects our shared responsibility to safeguard the dignity and future of every child—especially our girls,” Mr. Hussain said. “However, true progress depends on effective enforcement. Despite hundreds of FIRs filed between 2018 and 2024, very few have resulted in convictions, which shows the need for stronger coordination among institutions and communities.”
The discussion also highlighted the Child Marriage Prevention Initiative (CMPI) launched by the Directorate of Human Rights, Government of Sindh. Dadu district has been declared a model for interdepartmental collaboration—where Education, Police, Social Welfare, and local authorities work jointly with communities and religious leaders to prevent early marriages.
Mr. Hussain emphasized SHRC’s complementary role in monitoring, data collection, and advocacy, stressing that child marriage is a violation of human rights and equality. “Ending child marriage is both a legal and moral duty,” he stated. “Every girl deserves education, health, and safety—the foundations of Pakistan’s sustainable progress.”
The SHRC acknowledged the contributions of UNFPA, SCSW, and other key partners including Dr. Gulnara Kadyrkulova (UNFPA), Advocate Rubina Brohi (SCSW), Ms. Maliha Zia (Legal Aid Society), Ms. Farah Sohail (MPA Sindh Assembly), Mr. Faizullah Korejo (DIG Police), Mr. Usama Khawar Ghumman (Parliamentary Development Unit), and Mr. Golden Mulilo (UNFPA) for their leadership in advancing the cause.
Commemorative shields were presented at the conclusion of the event to recognize efforts under the “Learning Across Provinces” initiative. Mr. Hussain reaffirmed SHRC’s commitment, saying: “Through compassion, accountability, and shared learning, we can ensure that no child in Pakistan is denied her right to a safe and dignified life.”
