C
hild bride is a significant issue in Pakistan, which has been raising several questions about the lives of married children.
In many regressive societies, the term ‘child bride’ calls to mind the unsavory practice of marrying a child, even a preteen, to someone much, much older. This is true for South Asian countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, carrying the highest burden of child marriage in the world.
Recent UNICEF estimates reveal a harrowing number of 290 million child brides in the region, which represents 45% of all child marriages globally.
Pakistan, specifically, has a shameful record. Other than Sindh, where the legal age for marriage is 18 years, in the rest of the country, girls as young as 16 are officially allowed to marry.
In fact, In Pakistan, one in three girls is married before reaching the age of 18, as per the data released by Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey. Early-age marriages, undoubtedly, hinder the prospects of girls, making them susceptible to domestic violence, family abuse and health issues.
Certainly, it was shocked to see, a neighbor of mine married under the age of 15 by the force of her parents. it is not the only incident which happened with her, there are manifold minor females who are not reached at the age of marriage but unfortunately, they are forced to do this unpredictable marriage in Pakistan.
In fact, it only goes to parents that they are forcing their children for the early marriage.
Child marriage is form of sexual abuse in which the child is subjected to assault and deprived of their childhood.
It also effects their psychological and social growth of the child.
certainly, the girls who are married at early age, as a result the more children they tend to bear, which contributes to overpopulation.
Child brides have several great pregnancy related health problems and have more chances of infant mortality on their babies. The high rates of maternal and infant mortality in Pakistan are closely linked to early marriage.
It must be heard by every parents who force their minor children for marriage. If a child can’t take care of herself then how can she take the responsible of an entire home. yet a girl don’t enjoy her childhood how can she be a mother at a home at this young age. Besides, after the marriage how she tends to her sons, husband and family. She will be truly unable to bear such situation after the marriage.
There are manifold parents who force their children for marriage to mitigate their financial burden but they don’t think about the early marriage and its effects, sometimes who only thinks about the financial burden of their children. certainly, it is too injustice, which are being used with girls by their parents.
It is very extraordinary in the entire country, because there is a lack of awareness among parents about the early marriage and its dangerous effects. Therefore due to the lack of awareness among parents in this regard, child bride is rampant in Pakistan. It needs an urgent attention by every parents who force their minor children for early marriage.
The Media has also highlighted this issue via documentaries or Dramas. May Rai shines light on Child bride as the most execrating form of violence.
Dukhtar another woke project is a 2014 Pakistani It is the story of a mother and her ten-year-old daughter, who leave their home to save the girl from an arranged marriage to a tribal leader.
The film was premiered at the International Film festival. Geo Films released the film in Pakistan on 18 September 2014. It becomes Pakistan’s second consecutive submission to Oscars and accepted as per the first one was Zinda Bhagg in same category.
Thus, Child marriage is a serious human rights violation. Apart of parents, South Asia’s policymakers must realize how prevalent the practice is and act fast before the future of millions more girls is destroyed.
