Pakistan’s senate passes resolution to ban child marriages

On International Women’s Day, the Senate of Pakistan unanimously passed a 12-point resolution, with a primary focus on banning child marriages.

The resolution, presented by Senator Sherry Rehman, underscores the urgent need for strict legal measures to prevent underage marriages and safeguard young girls from forced unions.

During the session, Sherry Rehman highlighted the increasing cases of child marriages, particularly in rural areas, stressing the necessity of legislation to ensure girls receive education and opportunities rather than being married off at a young age.

The resolution calls for strict enforcement of existing laws against child marriages and urges the government to standardize the legal marriage age across all provinces to prevent exploitation.

In addition to child marriage reforms, the Senate addressed other pressing women’s rights issues, including equal pay, workplace harassment, and honour killings.

However, the ban on child marriages remained a central demand. Lawmakers emphasized that early marriages severely impact girls’ health, education, and future prospects, making it imperative for the state to intervene with stronger regulations and nationwide awareness campaigns.