In Pakistan, a 17-year-old girl can legally marry with parental consent. The legal minimum age for marriage in Pakistan is 16 years old for girls and 18 years old for boys. However, there have been ongoing efforts to raise the minimum age of marriage for girls to 18, aligning it with the age for boys.
Factors that influence marriage for a 17-year-old girl in Pakistan:
- Parental consent: Parental consent is mandatory for a 17-year-old girl to marry.
- Cultural and social norms: Marriage at a young age is common in many parts of Pakistan, influenced by cultural and religious traditions.
- Legal challenges: While the legal minimum age for marriage is 16, there have been cases of child marriage, which is considered illegal and harmful.
The Pakistani government is working to address the issue of child marriage and promote the rights of girls. However, it's important to understand that the legal framework and social realities can differ significantly.