The legal age to marry a woman in Pakistan is 18 years old. This is according to the Pakistan Marriage Act of 1961, which sets the minimum age for marriage for both men and women.
However, it's important to note that there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 allows for the marriage of girls under the age of 18 with the permission of a court. This exception is often used in cases where the girl is already pregnant or has been promised in marriage by her family.
Despite the legal age, child marriage remains a serious issue in Pakistan. According to UNICEF, one in three girls in Pakistan is married before the age of 18, and one in nine is married before the age of 15. This practice has harmful consequences for girls, including:
- Increased risk of domestic violence: Young girls are more vulnerable to abuse and violence from their husbands.
- Limited educational opportunities: Child marriage often prevents girls from completing their education, which limits their future prospects.
- Health risks: Young girls are at a higher risk of health complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
The Pakistani government has taken steps to address the issue of child marriage, including:
- Raising awareness about the harmful effects of child marriage
- Enforcing the law against child marriage
- Providing support services for girls who are at risk of child marriage
However, more needs to be done to eliminate child marriage in Pakistan. This includes:
- Strengthening the legal framework against child marriage
- Providing more resources for education and awareness campaigns
- Addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to child marriage
