Early marriages remain a significant challenge in Pakistan, with Balochistan being one of the regions most affected by this social issue. Despite the passage of the Child Marriage Restraint Act in 2013, which sets the legal age of marriage at 18, the practice continues unabated in many areas, driven by deeply entrenched socio-economic and cultural factors.
According to data from UNICEF and the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18, a staggering 72% of girls in Balochistan are married before the age of 18, with 45% married before 15. These figures reveal a crisis that not only violates children’s rights but also exacerbates gender inequality and poverty. Poverty remains the major driver of early marriages in Balochistan, as families facing economic hardship often view marriage as a financial relief. In many cases, young girls are married off to reduce the family’s burden or secure a dowry, which is seen as an immediate economic advantage.
When a girl is married early, her education is often cut short, effectively ending any chance of personal and professional development. Without education, young brides have limited opportunities for employment and remain financially dependent on their husbands, further deepening the cycle of poverty. This not only limits the potential of individual girls but also has a broader societal impact, as uneducated women are less likely to contribute to the economy or advocate for the education of their children, particularly their daughters.
Lucky Changez
Turbat
