Child marriage is not just a harmful tradition, it is a violation of human rights. And in Pakistan, it is stealing the futures of countless young girls.

I have seen its devastating impact up close. My grandmother was married at just 15. My aunt was married at 14. Both were forced to leave school, give up their dreams, and take on adult responsibilities they were not ready for. My grandmother often shares how hard it was to start a family so young, wishing she had been given more time to study and pursue her goals. They were robbed of their childhoods, of the simple freedom to grow, to learn, and to dream.

Today, Pakistan ranks 6th highest in the world for child marriage (Costing Study). One in every three girls married before she turns 18 (Child marriage). That means millions of girls are forced into lives they did not choose, lives of early pregnancies, domestic abuse, and broken dreams.

These girls are not emotionally, physically, or mentally ready to become wives and mothers. Yet they are pushed into this reality, with no choice, voice, or consent.

 If child marriage continues unchecked, generations of Pakistani girls fall into cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and abuse. Early marriage cuts education short, which perpetuates poverty and limits opportunities for the entire countries progress.

But change is possible. Ending child marriage would unlock access to education, health, and empowerment for millions of girls. The future of these poor children, and of Pakistan itself depends on our action.

Now is the time to act. By focusing on spreading awareness across communities and educating people in rural areas, we can protect millions of young girls from lifetimes of struggle.

From a law based perspective, child marriage is illegal in Islamabad (Raza). We must work to restrict it in all areas and make sure it is enforced properly.

We have the power to ensure young girls have their voices, rights, childhoods, and their futures. We can choose to say no. To demand better, for our sisters, daughters, friends, and future leaders.

The time to act is now. Every day we stay silent, more girls are lost to a life they did not choose.

Please join me. Sign this petition. Let’s raise our voices together, and build a Pakistan where young women are free to learn, grow, and be free.

For the sake of these girls. For the sake of justice. For the future of Pakistan.

Citations:

"Child marriage." UNFPA Pakistan, pakistan.unfpa.org/en/topics/child-marriage-4. Accessed 20 May 2025.

"Costing Study on Child Marriage in Pakistan." Asia Pacific, asiapacific.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Field%20Office%20ESEAsia/Docs/Publications/2021/02/UNW-NCSW%20Costing%20Study%20KP-Punjab%20FINAL.pdf. Accessed 20 May 2025.

Raza, Syed Irfan. "National Assembly passes landmark bill to criminalise child marriages in Islamabad." Dawn, 17 May 2025, www.dawn.com/news/1911451 Accessed 20 May 2025.