Why Pakistan Can’t Stop Child Marriages

Karachi: It's illegal to marry before the age of 16 in Pakistan, yet the country is home to almost 19 million child brides. So why can't the South Asian country stop the harmful practice? According to Deutsche Welle, despite the legal frameworks in place to prevent child marriages, the practice continues to be prevalent due to a range of socio-economic and cultural factors. In many regions, traditional customs and societal norms overshadow legal restrictions, leading families to marry off their daughters at a young age. Economic hardships also play a significant role in perpetuating child marriages. In impoverished communities, marrying off a daughter can reduce the financial burden on the family. Additionally, there is often a lack of awareness about the legal implications and the physical and psychological impact of early marriages on young girls. Efforts to curb child marriages are further hampered by weak enforcement of existing laws. Authorities often struggle with limited resources and social resista nce, making it challenging to implement legal measures effectively. Moreover, there is a need for comprehensive education and awareness campaigns to address the root causes and consequences of child marriages in Pakistan.