Pakistan’s Ban on Child Marriage and the Promise of Gender Equality

By Shaikh Moazam Khan 

With women’s educational freedom being limited in Afghanistan and reproductive rights decreasing in the United States, Pakistan has unexpectedly moved forward on gender justice. Giving children the right to decide at 18 instead of tying the knot at 16 is far bigger than just a change in policy. Because this reform was declared in a country regularly accused of human rights violations, it indicates that girls are not handed off as property, should not be married at such a young age and must have the right to make their own choices. Because raising the minimum marriage age to 18 is in line with international standards for human rights such as those in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Sustainable Development Goals, Pakistan is closer to meeting them.

The rural areas of Pakistan have suffered from child marriage because poverty, a shortage of education and strong traditions encourage it there. Girls who are as young as twelve are sometimes married to men who are older, meaning these young girls can no longer go to school, are exposed to early pregnancy dangers and tread a path of poverty in life. This law is important, because it might shape these children’s lives going forward.

The importance of this trend lies in the fact that it is taking place as the world as a whole sees women’s rights being set back. In times when several countries are not keeping their gender equality promises, Pakistan’s choice makes us hopeful. It stands out as an encouragement that reforms can be carried out by conservative countries in spite of cultural opposition. Other nations may be encouraged by this law to create similar rules if they have similar social and cultural conditions.

The effects of stopping child marriage are much wider than only helping individual girls. Many lasting benefits result from the law being in place. Girls should have the chance to finish school, choose their own future and communities will benefit as a result. More education for women allows them to have jobs, receive healthcare and take part in the community. The economic result is that labor becomes more productive. Socially, this means families and communities become more powerful. Basically, waiting to get married when you are full adults is both right and sensible for a country’s future progress.

Many people overlook how the law came about as one of its main features. It is created by people working on this issue for years, often for many years. Women’s rights organizations, local NGOs and dedicated activists have tried hard for years to overcome old traditions and strong enemies. It shows that policy changes can happen in the most traditional regions. It underlines the strength and commitment of civil society and how local people push for change. Not only girls, but also those working for gender justice, deserve to celebrate the law.

Besides, the legislation has a significant symbolic influence. Reforms in the laws can spark people in such communities to start reflecting on child marriage. Especially in family and gender areas, laws tend to set boundaries for social expectations. The law explicitly declares that marrying a girl under 18 is forbidden, so the state considers them as children who have individual goals and dreams, not only as girls destined to be brides or bring family prestige. Because of this change, efforts can be made to make laws about domestic violence more powerful, give women equal inheritance rights and help them access better healthcare for reproduction.

Clearly, getting a law approved is only the beginning of the process. Getting everything correct in the implementation stage will be very demanding. It is difficult to enforce laws in rural places, to deal with opposition from conservative groups and to inform local officials who are not fully aware of the issue. Still, recognizing these obstacles, the legislation is key to the reform process. Real transformation can happen if enough is spent on community education, training the police and supporting women at risk.

Some may say that laws by themselves cannot address deeply ingrained cultural habits. Accepting this claim does not diminish how laws help set the tone of public discussion. It supports people and groups that are already interested in challenging negative customs. The law gives families and girls support to avoid coercion. It also makes sure that future generations understand their rights should be respected and protected.

Simply banning child marriage does not solve the problems, but it signals sincere steps toward progress. Amid many challenges for women and girls globally, this new law is proof that changes happen when civil society, government and communities unite. It shows that people must not blindly follow traditions because the rights of children and the wellbeing of a country sometimes need us to look further.

The writer is Islamabad based regular contributor