Minister for enhancing marriage age limit for girls

LAHORE:Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr Jamal Nasir has emphasised the need for enhancing upper age limit of girl for marriage because hormonal changes during adolescence often lead to physiological disorders.

The minister was speaking as chief guest at a consultative session held under the auspices of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), here, Thursday. The minister said that forcing minor girls or those who were not physically or emotionally mature into marriage could lead to multiple problems in these young brides.

Furthermore, medical evidence supports the fact that female are genetically and naturally more vulnerable, necessitating the protection of their fundamental rights. Subjecting them to married life at a tender age can cause a drastic deterioration in their physical health.

Our society grapples with a dilemma when dealing with infertility; typically, the burden of costly and painful testing falls solely on the wife, while the husband may neglect such examinations. This societal behaviour contributes to both physical and mental health issues, he added.

Chairperson NCSW, Nilofar Bakhtiar, addressing the session, expressed the Commission's awareness about the gravity of the social issue, which deprives girls of their fundamental rights to choose, health, and education. Recognising the profound impact of child marriage, NCSW has consistently engaged its mandate to review related legislation, identifying the need for amendments and effective implementation approaches.

For those already married at a young age, the Commission advocates providing access to education, healthcare, psychosocial support, and the development of rehabilitation and reintegration programmes to help child brides rebuild their lives and pursue their aspirations.

Bakhtiar urged, ‘Let’s unite to end child marriage! Every child deserves a childhood filled with education, play, and dreams, not forced into marriage. Together, we can break the chains that deny them their rights and build a future where every child can flourish.’ The NCSW highlights urgency in building national consensus to eradicate child marriage across Pakistan. In collaboration with its esteemed development partners, namely UNFPA, UNICEF, and UN Women, the NCSW convened a critical consultation with provincial stakeholders. The objective was to chart an effective course of action following impactful discussions on ending child marriage in the country.