Balochistan

Anti-child marriage Act sent to Balochistan cabinet

Balochistan is on the top of maternal mortality rate due to weak health and performing touch chores

APP June 16, 2021

While there is an increased awareness about the concept of child marriage, much needs to be done at grass-root level. PHOTO COURTESY: Haseeb Siddiqui

ISLAMABAD:

The Early Child Marriage Restraint Act prepared by Social Welfare Department to overcome the menace of child marriages has been submitted to the Balochistan Cabinet for approval.

Balochistan is on the top of maternal mortality rate due to weak health and performing tough chores as a result of the underage marriage, an official of Balochistan government told APP on Tuesday.

“Young girls under the age of 18 have greater chances of developing complications while giving birth to children. This can lead to death,” he said, adding the provincial authorities were making a proper mechanism to stop early age marriages and take strict action against the violators.

In tribal areas child marriages were common where girls got married at a very young age, while their parents and in-laws did not bother to know about the physical and psychological impacts of the marriage, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 16^h, 2021.