KARACHI:
A United Nations report revealed that Pakistan has the 6th highest number of girls married before the age of 18 in the world. Poverty, illiteracy, conservative cultural norms and traditions, and a lack of awareness are some of the key reasons for the high rate of child marriages. Child marriages lead to other issues, especially with regard to girls’ health. Young girls have little agency and are forced to bear children soon after their marriages.
Mothers between the ages of 13 to 19 face higher risks of eclampsia, puerperal endometritis, and systemic infections. Even babies of younger mothers face higher risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, and severe neonatal condition. Considering that most young mothers lack education themselves, they struggle with the upbringing of their children and may not send their children to schools either. This has contributed to others social issues such as child labour, high crime rates, drug abuse, and generational poverty.
Despite the existence of laws barring child marriages, the menace is running rampant across the country. The relevant authorities should urge law enforcement agencies to ensure the implementation of the laws and strict action should be taken against people violating the laws. A widespread awareness campaign must be initiated to inform people about the consequences of child marriages. We must protect our children and allow them to live their lives with dignity and freely.
Josh Baloch
Kech
Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2022.
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