Child Marriage in Pakistan — Law, Impact, How to Report

Pakistan has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world. An estimated 21% of girls are married before age 18. In rural areas and Sindh specifically, rates are significantly higher.

The legal situation

The Child Marriage Restraint Act (1929) sets the minimum age at 16 for girls and 18 for boys — already a problem. Sindh has raised the minimum to 18 for both genders. Federal law remains at 16 for girls. Child marriage is technically illegal but enforcement is extremely rare.

The impact on girls

Education ends at marriage for most child brides
Pregnancy before 18 carries significantly higher health risks
Girls in child marriages report higher rates of domestic violence
Economic dependence is total — no education, no career, no exit

How to report

Child Protection Bureau (Punjab): 1121
Sindh Child Protection Authority: 0800-22227
SPARC (Society for the Protection of Children): sparcpk.org
Girls Not Brides: girlsnotbrides.org (international support)

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