Stolen Childhoods: The Silent Crisis of Early Marriages in Pakistan

In a small village in Sindh, 13-year-old Amina clutches her schoolbooks tightly, unaware that today is her last day in class. Tomorrow, she will be married to a man twice her age, her dreams of becoming a doctor slipping away. Amina is not alone; millions of young girls in Pakistan face the same fate. In communities where the sound of children’s laughter should dominate the air, a quieter, more harrowing reality unfolds. Young girls, full of dreams and aspirations, are often forced to abandon their potential as they are pushed into the confines of early marriage. Rooted deeply in cultural norms, economic hardships, and a distorted sense of honor, this practice does more than rob these girls of their childhood, it hinders their growth, compromises their futures, and stifles the nation’s progress.

Child marriage remains a pervasive issue in Pakistan, with approximately 18% of girls married before the age of 18, according to UNICEF. These numbers place Pakistan among the countries with the highest prevalence of child brides. Behind each statistic lies a life forever altered, redirected from education and personal development to the premature responsibilities of marriage and motherhood. The consequences are profound. Studies indicate that girls aged 15-19 report the highest incidences of domestic violence, highlighting their extreme vulnerability. The abrupt transition from adolescence to the demanding roles of wife and mother often results in severe mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and a profound sense of isolation. Many girls lack the emotional maturity to navigate these roles, leaving them feeling trapped and helpless.

The economic costs of early marriage are just as alarming. The World Bank and the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) estimate that ending child marriage in Pakistan could lead to a 13% increase in women’s earnings and productivity. A study further suggests that each additional year a girl stays in school increases her future earnings by at least 10%. This underscores the immense economic potential squandered when girls are denied educational and vocational opportunities. Child marriage perpetuates a cycle of poverty, keeping women economically dependent and depriving society of their full contributions. The collective financial burden of lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and continued dependence is staggering. On a national level, Pakistan’s GDP could see significant growth if more women were empowered to enter the workforce instead of being confined to domestic roles from an early age.

Cultural and traditional mindsets further entrench the practice of early marriage. Poverty, illiteracy, and gender inequality remain primary drivers. Families in impoverished areas frequently view daughters as financial burdens, and marrying them off early is seen as a way to alleviate economic strain. The concept of “honor” also plays a pivotal role, with a girl’s chastity often linked to the family’s reputation. To safeguard this perceived honor, parents arrange marriages before their daughters reach adulthood, ignoring the long-term harm it causes. In many cases, the decision to marry off a girl is made with the belief that it provides security, yet in reality, it exposes them to greater vulnerabilities: violence, poor health, and limited economic prospects.

Pakistan’s legal framework attempts to address this issue, but enforcement remains weak. The Child Marriage Restraint Act sets the minimum legal age of marriage at 16 for girls and 18 for boys, yet inconsistencies between federal and provincial laws create dangerous loopholes. While Sindh has set the minimum age for girls at 18, cases like that of 14-year-old Arzoo Raja in Karachi, who was allegedly forced into marriage under the pretext of religious conversion, reveal how legal gaps and weak enforcement continue to fail young girls. Without stringent legal mechanisms and proactive enforcement, laws remain mere words on paper. It is imperative that special courts be established to handle child marriage cases, that digital birth registration be made mandatory to prevent falsification of ages, and that strict penalties be imposed on those who violate the law.

Education remains the most formidable barrier against child marriage. Girls who stay in school are significantly less likely to marry early, as education equips them with knowledge, skills, and a sense of agency. However, the lack of accessible educational facilities in many parts of Pakistan, combined with societal attitudes that discourage female education, allows the cycle to persist. According to UNESCO, only 44% of girls in rural Pakistan complete primary school. The impact is devastating, not only limiting their personal growth but also reinforcing a cycle of poverty and dependence that affects entire communities. Countries like Bangladesh have successfully reduced child marriage rates through conditional cash transfer programs, where families receive financial assistance if they keep their daughters in school. A similar initiative in Pakistan could have a transformative effect.

The repercussions of early marriage extend far beyond individuals, impacting the broader societal framework. Health complications from early pregnancies, such as obstetric fistula and increased maternal mortality, place additional strain on an already overburdened healthcare system. Children born to young mothers are more likely to face health and developmental challenges, perpetuating intergenerational cycles of disadvantage. The societal cost of early marriage is immense, encompassing lost human capital, increased healthcare expenses, and diminished economic productivity.

Addressing this multifaceted issue requires a comprehensive approach. Strengthening the enforcement of existing laws is an essential first step, but it must be accompanied by grassroots awareness programs to challenge and change entrenched cultural norms. Families need to understand that educating their daughters is not just a moral imperative, it is an economic and social necessity. Community-led initiatives, media campaigns, and religious leaders advocating against early marriage can help shift mindsets at the grassroots level. Economic support programs such as vocational training and employment opportunities for women are crucial in breaking the cycle of dependency and empowering them to make independent choices.

The stories of young girls who have defied the odds serve as a testament to the transformative power of education and opportunity. Malala Yousafzai’s journey from being a schoolgirl advocating for education to a Nobel Prize laureate underscores the profound change that occurs when a girl is given the chance to pursue her dreams. Similarly, grassroots organizations like Bedari and Aahung Foundation are working tirelessly to combat early marriage through education, community engagement, and policy advocacy. These efforts, though commendable, require greater support and scaling to address the issue on a national level.

The time to act is now. We must push for stronger enforcement, support grassroots organizations, and, most importantly, shift our mindsets. Every girl deserves the chance to dream, learn, and lead. Will we allow another generation to be lost, or will we fight for their future? The answer to this question will determine not only the fate of millions of young girls but also the direction of Pakistan’s progress. Ensuring that every girl is given the opportunity to pursue education, independence, and self-determination is not just a fight for gender equality, it is a fight for a stronger, more prosperous nation.

Haveerus Mughal is a Columnist, Engineer, and Theatre Artist.