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Senate sees off religious parties' opposition to pass bill against child marriage

Rinnegan Sasuke

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The Senate on Monday passed the Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill, 2018 which proposes that the legal minimum age of marriage in the country be set at 18.

The bill was presented by PPP Senator Sherry Rehman, who told the House that according to a report by the United Nations Children's Fund, around 21 per cent Pakistanis got married before turning 18.

She also pointed out that Muslim countries including Oman, Turkey and United Arab Emirates have already set 18 as the minimum age of entering marriage.

Rehman also apprised the upper house of the fatal threat that underage marriages pose to mothers. "One woman dies in childbirth every 20 minutes," she said, adding that the reason for these deaths were early pregnancies.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) Senator Ghafoor Haideri opposed the bill, saying that complicated pregnancies were not tied to age but poor healthcare. He argued that Islam allows marriage after puberty and recommended that the bill be sent to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) before being discussed in the Senate.

"We are not promoting western culture, this is wrong," Rehman countered, saying that the bill stated that any person younger than 18 should be considered a child and be prohibited to enter marriage.

Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Senator Mushtaq Ahmad seconded Haideri's suggestion to send the bill to CII, saying that setting an age limit for marriage would be "against the Shariat".

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri said that "there is no age limit for marriage in Islam", reminding the House that a similar bill had once already been deemed "against the Sharia" by the CII .

To this, PPP Senator Raza Rabbani said that referring the bill to the CII would be "akin to sending it into cold storage".

Rehman, meanwhile, pointed out that the bill had been endorsed unanimously by the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights. Haideri, however, raised objections over the committee, saying that his party had not been extended an invitation to join.

Subsequently, the bill was passed by the Senate and now awaits a debate in the National Assembly.

The Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill, 2018, which aims to "curb the menace of child marriage prevalent in the country and save women from exploitation", underage marriage can lead to imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of at least Rs100,000 or both.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1479198/s...pposition-to-pass-bill-against-child-marriage
 
Would these same mullahs marry off their daughters under the age of 18 ?

Pass this legislation immediately.
 
Pass the legislation. It shouldnt even be a matter of discussion. Ignore Mullah brigade.
 
President Zardari signs bill to curb child marriage into law

President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday accorded his assent to the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, according to a notification by the Presidency shared by PPP Senator Sherry Rehman on X.

The bill, which seeks to protect the rights of children and eventually eradicate marriages of children under the age of 18, reached the presidency on May 27 after sailing through both houses of parliament.

However, the move attracted strong opposition from religious segments of society, with the CII ruling that classifying marriage under the age of 18 as rape did not conform with Islamic law.

“The Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill, 2025 is assented to, as passed by the Parliament,” the notification read.

“Pakistan has reached a milestone in the enactment of important legislation against child marriages,” Rehman said in a statement.

She said that the approval of the bill was successful despite resistance from various sections, adding that President Zardari signed the bill despite pressure.

“The signing of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill is a symbol of a new era of reforms in Pakistan,” she said.

She hailed the approval as a victory for the protection of the rights of women and children, adding, “This law was possible after a long and difficult struggle.”

“This bill is not just a law, it is a commitment that our girls have the right to education, health and a prosperous life,” Rehman continued.

She thanked PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, party leaders, other political parties, representatives of the opposition and the public for their support for the bill.

She also called on other provinces to take steps towards this important legislation.

Earlier, CII member Maulana Jalaludin, who belongs to the JUI-F, said President Zardari should prevent anarchy in society and not sign the bill.

Incidentally, members belonging to different sects opposed the bill.

Responding to a query, the CII member had said the assembly could not be above the Holy Quran and Sunnah. “This bill is not only against the norms of Sharia but also contrary to the values of our society and our traditions,” Maulana Jalaluddin reasoned, terming the move a western conspiracy to destroy ‘family system’.

The ‘bad intentions’ were evident as the bill was not forwarded to the CII, but approved by parliament ‘in secrecy’, he said.

However, PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqi, who tabled the bill in the National Assembly, said the matter of marriage of girls below 18 years of age, should not be given a religious colour and instead be considered in the context of human rights.

“We are not against marriages. We say marrying girls as young as 13 or 14 years is unfair when girls under 18 years of age do not have right to vote, cannot obtain national identity cards and driving licence,” she added.

In this regard, the PPP lawmaker referred to a decision by Federal Shariat Court of 2022 that allowed the state to set the marriage age.

DAWN NEWS
 
I have two questions here , hope someone answers.

Is this age only for female or males included.

Second question is what happens if a girl who is 17 years married?
 
Finally scrubbing off the stench of religion from our society.

One step at a time.

No more legalized paedophilia.
 
I have two questions here , hope someone answers.

Is this age only for female or males included.

Second question is what happens if a girl who is 17 years married?

Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) is a constitutional body of Pakistan, responsible for giving legal advice on Islamic issues to the government and the Parliament.

Do you agree with CII that the child marriage ban is un-islamic ?

I'd also like to know @LordJames opinion on this, since he opened a thread earlier that focuses on issues of authentic Islam.
 
Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) is a constitutional body of Pakistan, responsible for giving legal advice on Islamic issues to the government and the Parliament.

Do you agree with CII that the child marriage ban is un-islamic ?

I'd also like to know @LordJames opinion on this, since he opened a thread earlier that focuses on issues of authentic Islam.
I am Sorry but don't understand your question? What sort of a person would be in favor of child exploitation?

Child marriage and exploitation is reprehensible and impermissible in Islam but there is no minimum legal age of marriage in Islam (for male or female) just like there is no such medical or International standard in the world and it varies legally around the world and 18 is not the International standard, for example the Civil Marriage Act of Canada states:

Minimum age

2.2 No person who is under the age of 16 years may contract marriage.

What scholars like Mufti Taqi Usmani are saying is that setting a minimum age is contradictory to Islamic principles i.e. setting a number be it 16 or 18 or 21 or whatever.

What they have proposed instead in their 10 page report is (from the Media) is:
  1. Launch a nationwide campaign against child exploitation and child marriages
  2. Empower and train those who come in contact with these matter to recognize abuse and report on it and for authorities to take action
I have not read the particular report but from past knowledge they are arguing about the "minimum age" and not the issue of child marriage and exploitation.

The problem in Pakistan is that any law (blasphemy etc) is open to corruption and exploitation as we know from experience, its a corrupt country with a corrupt police and judicial system.
 
What scholars like Mufti Taqi Usmani are saying is that setting a minimum age is contradictory to Islamic principles i.e. setting a number be it 16 or 18 or 21 or whatever.

Child marriage is child exploitation. How do you protect a child from exploitation without setting a minimum age limit ? Use your brain.
 
I am Sorry but don't understand your question? What sort of a person would be in favor of child exploitation?

Child marriage and exploitation is reprehensible and impermissible in Islam but there is no minimum legal age of marriage in Islam (for male or female) just like there is no such medical or International standard in the world and it varies legally around the world and 18 is not the International standard, for example the Civil Marriage Act of Canada states:

Minimum age

2.2 No person who is under the age of 16 years may contract marriage.

What scholars like Mufti Taqi Usmani are saying is that setting a minimum age is contradictory to Islamic principles i.e. setting a number be it 16 or 18 or 21 or whatever.

What they have proposed instead in their 10 page report is (from the Media) is:
  1. Launch a nationwide campaign against child exploitation and child marriages
  2. Empower and train those who come in contact with these matter to recognize abuse and report on it and for authorities to take action
I have not read the particular report but from past knowledge they are arguing about the "minimum age" and not the issue of child marriage and exploitation.

The problem in Pakistan is that any law (blasphemy etc) is open to corruption and exploitation as we know from experience, its a corrupt country with a corrupt police and judicial system.
Their argument is a flawed one and they are indirectly supporting child marriage, just not open enough to say it.

There is no reason to argue from an Islamic perspective against setting minimum age of marriage unless you are happy for young kids to be married.

In addition the fastest way to end exploitation is to set a minimum age. Without setting a minimum age you will find that the for poor backgrounds young girls that are marrying fat men in their 50s but everyone around them in thm claiming they aren't being exploited. Whereas gitls from higher socioeconomic backgrounds with educated parents marrying in later years. The only way to overcome this disparity and give both of these girls the fairest shot at life is to set and maintain a minimum age. There is nothing unislamic about setting it.
 
Child marriage is child exploitation. How do you protect a child from exploitation without setting a minimum age limit ? Use your brain.
I agree with you here. The arguments against this bill by people in Pakistan are very hollow.
 
Slowly india is moving from child marriage but in rural areas some child cases are still happening.

But we are moving in Direct direction. Education is Only can end the child marriage . :kp
 
Child marriage is child exploitation. How do you protect a child from exploitation without setting a minimum age limit ? Use your brain.

I understand your perpetual need to be frustrated with Islam and that's fine but read what the person is actually writing and then articulate your response to what is written and not what your head is saying.

Islam

Child exploitation is heinous (in any context) but Islam goes one step further and punishes someone who exploits by death, no matter if the perpetrator is a "Mulla" or a "Pundit.

Islam does not define the age of a child just like modern states do not define it.

Civil Marriage Act of Canada states:

Minimum age

2.2 No person who is under the age of 16 years may contract marriage.

In Unites States, it is set at a state level:
  1. 16 with Parental consent in most states
  2. 17 with Parental consent in some states
The point is that there is no scientific or medical set standard for minimum age of child.

Pakistan

Since Islam does not set a minimum age and this law is being perceived as "Anti-Islam", not the issue but the law. This is an issue for people and scholars of Pakistan to resolve.

Read bullet points 1, 2 & 3 below in response to @DeadlyVenom . I don't know the situation in Pakistan but in a Muslim country they should absolutely go way beyond just setting a number so let me summaries in few short bullet points what I have said so far:
  1. Islam does not have a "number" just like medical science or International law doesn't have a number on what constitutes a child. A person is supposed to be "Mukallaf", "Baaligh" and "Aaqil" when taken together these terms have specific meanings and sometimes even a 19 year old may not fit it (in case of special needs etc)
  2. When the legal framework is defined (lets say in Pakistani law) then anyone guilty should be severaly punished.
  3. Anyone found guilty of child exploitation should be awarded the death penalty.
Based on what @DeadlyVenom is saying that it is a serious issue in Pakistan then I am saying that religious authorities in Pakistan are under reacting and focusing on a number instead of giving a robust solution to the issue.

Their argument is a flawed one and they are indirectly supporting child marriage, just not open enough to say it.

There is no reason to argue from an Islamic perspective against setting minimum age of marriage unless you are happy for young kids to be married.

In addition the fastest way to end exploitation is to set a minimum age. Without setting a minimum age you will find that the for poor backgrounds young girls that are marrying fat men in their 50s but everyone around them in thm claiming they aren't being exploited. Whereas gitls from higher socioeconomic backgrounds with educated parents marrying in later years. The only way to overcome this disparity and give both of these girls the fairest shot at life is to set and maintain a minimum age. There is nothing unislamic about setting it.

I have solemnized many marriages and deputized many in my life so speaking from experience.

I am going to pretext my next few lines by reiterating again that child exploitation is impermissible and punishable by death in Islam.

Setting minimum marriage in societies with law and order has not ended child exploitation so in Pakistan merely passing a law will not change the situation. Instead a robust legal framework is needed and if people of Pakistan want to bring Islam into the equation then pass a law to punish the perpetrator by death (Mulla, Pundit or teacher). Empower the one performing the Nikah to investigate according to legal guidelines and report on cases.

I believe that the scholars of Pakistan are under reacting to the issue of child exploitation, instead they should:
  1. Define standards of maturity and cognizance and anyone who is suspected to be "below" even if the person is 19 should be referred for further scrutiny. A person can be older then "18" and can still be exploited. In the West, those authorized to conduct marriages often raise concerns if the person is beyond "16" or "18"
  2. The person solemnizing the Nikah (Islamic marriage) who doesn't adhere to these guidelines should be punished.
  3. The person exploiting a child and found guilty should be awarded the death penalty, ZERO leniency!
I don't have any idea of what is happening in Pakistan but if what you say is true that girls (young, old or otherwise) from poor socioeconomic background are being exploited and it is rampant then it is not just necessary but an absolute duty in Islam to protect them.

I have refused to marry a 32 year Sister because I believed that she was being exploited. I spoke to her in detail and then refused to conduct the marriage and send her away while giving her money to look after herself and also contacts of organisation which would help her and I called them on the spot and intrdouced her...she didn't marry the guy

Provided guidance to many Muslim (men and women) to not marry becasue I felt that they were not ready but also made clear that it is simply my opinion and the reverse is also true that advised many to marry.

To clear the issue in Pakistan, start arresting, charging and hanging people.
 
Slowly india is moving from child marriage but in rural areas some child cases are still happening.

But we are moving in Direct direction. Education is Only can end the child marriage . :kp
Same in the west, these cases unfortunately happen and 1 is too many.

Pakistan is an Islamic country and robust legal framework should be passed and it must include the death penalty for those found guilty.
 
Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) is a constitutional body of Pakistan, responsible for giving legal advice on Islamic issues to the government and the Parliament.

Do you agree with CII that the child marriage ban is un-islamic ?

I'd also like to know @LordJames opinion on this, since he opened a thread earlier that focuses on issues of authentic Islam.

That is not a complete question so it is difficult to answer , unless we have facts before us. That is why i asked the above two questions. Before we get into this discussion , we need to define who exactly is a child.

In Islam marriage is possible only when a person is physically capable of being in a relationship.
 
That is not a complete question so it is difficult to answer , unless we have facts before us. That is why i asked the above two questions. Before we get into this discussion , we need to define who exactly is a child.

In Islam marriage is possible only when a person is physically capable of being in a relationship.
Child marriage has nothing to do with religions . I don't know why Pakistan Posters brings religion in everything. :kp
 
Let's focus this discussion on the white elephant in room. That is the root cause of this conflict.

Some actions in sunnah run contrary to civilization principles we are used to today.

It's then a litmus test of how much sunnah is to be purged as backward norms. No two ways about it.
 
I think this is an issue that impacts tribal societies in Pakistan like in KP, where they get their children married off much earlier than rest of Pakistan. Having said that, I think 16 is about right for minimum age for marriage and 18 is an overkill and doesn't serve the purpose in societies where sex outside marriage carries very strict penalties. If two young people (16 year olds) want to be together within the bounds of the law in these countries then it can only be within the confines of marriage, by adding two arbitrary years is denying their right of freedom of association.

Here are the ages of consent in some of the countries in Europe:

UK, Spain , Norway, Finland - 16
Germany, Italy, Portugal, Austria - 14
Denmark, France, Sweden - 15

Whether anyone is mature enough to take on the responsibilities of a marriage at 16 or even at 18 is a separate topic altogether, but in closed societies I am not sure criminalising young people is the way to go about sorting out the very serious issue of child brides and exploitation.
 
You can't fault these mullahs.

For wanting to experience sunnah way of life.

Younger is prescribed in hadees.
1749280552772.png
 
When the legal framework is defined (lets say in Pakistani law) then anyone guilty should be severaly punished.

But you've already said setting a minimum age legally for consent is contrary to islamic principles. So how do you create a legal framework on this ?
 
In madrasa days, us young boys pondered over this sahih hadees. Quite a bit.

Now we know. What it actually means.

Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah:
While we were returning from a Ghazwa (Holy Battle) with the Prophet, I started driving my camel fast, as it was a lazy camel A rider came behind me and *****ed my camel with a spear he had with him, and then my camel started running as fast as the best camel you may see. Behold! The rider was the Prophet (ﷺ) himself. He said, 'What makes you in such a hurry?" I replied, I am newly married " He said, "Did you marry a virgin or a matron? I replied, "A matron." He said, "Why didn't you marry a young girl so that you may play with her and she with you?" When we were about to enter (Medina), the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Wait so that you may enter (Medina) at night so that the lady of unkempt hair may comb her hair and the one whose husband has been absent may shave her pubic region.
 
But you've already said setting a minimum age legally for consent is contrary to islamic principles. So how do you create a legal framework on this ?
He's not coming back.

On this point. Specifically.

Caught between a rock. And a hard on. Place.
 
I think this is an issue that impacts tribal societies in Pakistan like in KP, where they get their children married off much earlier than rest of Pakistan. Having said that, I think 16 is about right for minimum age for marriage and 18 is an overkill and doesn't serve the purpose in societies where sex outside marriage carries very strict penalties. If two young people (16 year olds) want to be together within the bounds of the law in these countries then it can only be within the confines of marriage, by adding two arbitrary years is denying their right of freedom of association.

Here are the ages of consent in some of the countries in Europe:

UK, Spain , Norway, Finland - 16
Germany, Italy, Portugal, Austria - 14
Denmark, France, Sweden - 15

Whether anyone is mature enough to take on the responsibilities of a marriage at 16 or even at 18 is a separate topic altogether, but in closed societies I am not sure criminalising young people is the way to go about sorting out the very serious issue of child brides and exploitation.
Exactly the point that there is no "set age" for maturity in science, medicine or International law.

Instead, there should be a clear framework and guidance in Pakistan. Lets suppose that the age is set to "16", is there a guarantee that a "16" year old is mature, competent enough not to be exploited.

Setting a "number" doesn't solve the problem.

He's not coming back.

On this point. Specifically.

Caught between a rock. And a hard on. Place.
But you've already said setting a minimum age legally for consent is contrary to islamic principles. So how do you create a legal framework on this ?
Answered in point 1, already.


Also read the post in full before throwing random questions which are already addressed.
 
there is no "set age" for maturity in science, medicine or International law.
There are plentiful. Deterrence laws on age thresholds. Pretend ignorance is not bliss.

15/18 to vote or own gun or driving license or smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. Or have consensual sex.

There are humane reasons why under 10s cannot vote nor own guns nor drive nor smoke nor drink. They shouldn't get married either.
 
There are plentiful. Deterrence laws on age thresholds. Pretend ignorance is not bliss.

15/18 to vote or own gun or driving license or smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. Or have consensual sex.

There are moral reasons why under 10s cannot vote nor own guns nor drive nor smoke nor drink. They shouldn't get married either.
There is no "set age" for maturity in science, medicine or International law.

Prove it!

I will ignore the rest of your nonsense.

What is point 1 ? Spell it out in a sentence or two, right now.
Already written in clear English.

Don't have time to waste in repeating what has already been said.
 
Atleast point me to the post number and the exact line.
Already answered. Try reading before repeating yourself like a broken record.

Pakistani scholars need to define the full framework in detail and in depth—key points were shared.

Spare me your half-baked, clueless takes on Islamic jurisprudence.
 
Already answered. Try reading before repeating yourself like a broken record.

Pakistani scholars need to define the full framework in detail and in depth—key points were shared.

Spare me your half-baked, clueless takes on Islamic jurisprudence.

Is this the point 1 you referred to ?

"Islam does not have a "number" just like medical science or International law doesn't have a number on what constitutes a child. A person is supposed to be "Mukallaf", "Baaligh" and "Aaqil" when taken together these terms have specific meanings and sometimes even a 19 year old may not fit it (in case of special needs etc) "

What does Mukallaf, Baaligh and Aaqil mean ?
 
Is this the point 1 you referred to ?

"Islam does not have a "number" just like medical science or International law doesn't have a number on what constitutes a child. A person is supposed to be "Mukallaf", "Baaligh" and "Aaqil" when taken together these terms have specific meanings and sometimes even a 19 year old may not fit it (in case of special needs etc) "

What does Mukallaf, Baaligh and Aaqil mean ?
Search it and watch as there are tons of debates on the topic where all of these terms are defined and their sources given, if you are interested. What I have given here is basis of the framework which will be defined and detailed by scholars in Pakistan (since) they know the society, the issues, the culture etc.

What I have said is simply defining the minimum age as "14,16,18 etc" has no scientific or medical or legal standard so Islam not dictating a "minimum age" is nothing out of the ordinary.

The primary line of attack of Hindutva, Christian Missionaries is to start with Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) marriage with Aisha (May God be pleased with her) at her age and extending and applying it to all Muslims. A typical example of deception and treachery is shown by @Farhan The Man by misquoting this narration here:

Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah: While we were returning from a Ghazwa (Holy Battle) with the Prophet, I started driving my camel fast, as it was a lazy camel A rider came behind me and *****ed my camel with a spear he had with him, and then my camel started running as fast as the best camel you may see. Behold! The rider was the Prophet (ﷺ) himself. He said, 'What makes you in such a hurry?" I replied, I am newly married " He said, "Did you marry a virgin or a matron? I replied, "A matron." He said, "Why didn't you marry a young girl so that you may play with her and she with you?" When we were about to enter (Medina), the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Wait so that you may enter (Medina) at night so that the lady of unkempt hair may comb her hair and the one whose husband has been absent may shave her pubic region. [Bukhari]

This Hadeeth talks about marrying a virgin and a "young age" and not marrying a Child!

The Arabic word used is جَارِيَةً "Jaariyah" which means "young" but doesn't mean a Child.

The lying "11 years at Madrasah" doesn't know the basics of Arabic or Hadeeth but keeps on posting pages upon pages of nonsense for cheerleaders like you to applaud.

Nothing wrong with marrying a "virgin" and earlier. In face, both boys and girls should marry young and when they are virgin.
 
This Hadeeth talks about marrying a virgin and a "young age" and not marrying a Child!
What is the difference between "young age" girl versus a "child"?

If there is no set age. Per your assertion.

There must be some other distinction then.
 
What is the difference between "young age" girl versus a "child"?

If there is no set age. Per your assertion.

There must be some other distinction then.

3 year old = Child
19 Year Old = Young Girl


Go ahead and come up with your next stupid question!
  1. Arabic vocabulary defines it as "Young Female"
  2. Usoolus-Shashi (page 44) which is taught in Madrasah defines the word as "female slave"
  3. Hadeeth defines it as "Slave girl"

If you had spent "1 day in a Madrasah" you would know that the word جَارِيَةً "Jaariyah" doesn't mean Child! Typically in Hadeeth it is used as a "(female slave)", see bullet point 3.

Both boys and girls are encouraged to marry young and to abstain from fornication.

You are a liar, an ignoramus and a dishonest person because anyone with rudimentary Arabic knowledge would not make these basic mistakes unless they are dishonest.

Either you never spent a single day learning Arabic OR you are a dishonest liar OR both!
 
Idiotic Question:

What is the difference between "young age" girl versus a "child"?

If there is no set age. Per your assertion.

There must be some other distinction then.

Response:

3 year old = Child
19 Year Old = Young Girl


Go ahead and come up with your next stupid question!
  1. Arabic vocabulary defines it as "Young Female"
  2. Usoolus-Shashi (page 44) which is taught in Madrasah defines the word as "female slave"
  3. Hadeeth defines it as "Slave girl"

If you had spent "1 day in a Madrasah" you would know that the word جَارِيَةً "Jaariyah" doesn't mean Child! Typically in Hadeeth it is used as a "(female slave)", see bullet point 3.

Both boys and girls are encouraged to marry young and to abstain from fornication.

You are a liar, an ignoramus and a dishonest person because anyone with rudimentary Arabic knowledge would not make these basic mistakes unless they are dishonest.

Either you never spent a single day learning Arabic OR you are a dishonest liar OR both!

Nonsense in response:

So there is an age criteria.

Evidently your stance shifted.

Now you agree with rest of civilized society. Marrying 7yo children is certainly not on.
 
I am afraid. You can't argue with shifted stances at discretion.

Either you are for age-based restrictions; or OK with 7yo children wedded off to older men.

Not both.
 
Provinces must set legal marriage age at 18: NA body

A parliamentary committee on Thursday recommended that both national and provincial governments establish a uniform legal marriage age of 18 years for both men and women.

A meeting of the Committee on Gender of Mainstreaming, held here, observed that this change will help reduce health risks associated with early marriage, promote gender equality, and enhance educational and economic opportunities for young women.

According to a statement issued here, chairperson of the committee Dr Nafisa Shah commended the passing of Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025, referring to it as a milestone.

Reporting on progress in the provinces the Secretary Human Rights Abdul Khalique Shaikh, briefed that Punjab had constituted a committee to review the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, the government of Balochistan reported that the bill had been approved by the Cabinet and was currently pending, while the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stated that the bill had been forwarded to the Council of Islamic Ideology for comments and all provincial governments had been urged to expedite the legislative process.

The Committee also expressed concern about Pakistan’s ranking on the Global Gender Gap Index at 148 and called upon the government to notify a cabinet committee on gender mainstreaming that would take practical steps towards gender parity.

The committee urged that Pakistan’s low ranking in the gender parity index can be attributed to its weak performance in economic participation and opportunities for women, as well as the persistent under-representation of women in politics and decision-making roles, both of which significantly hinder progress toward achieving gender equality.

The acting chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) informed the committee that the NCSW had conducted extensive consultations with parliamentarians, youth groups, civil society organisations, and legal experts regarding Child Marriage Restraint Act. She reiterated the commission’s support for setting 18 years as the minimum legal age for marriage.

Further the National Dialogue on Gender Gap had been conducted on June 26, 2025, by NCSW, and one of the key recommendations from the dialogue was the establishment of a National Task Force on Gender Data Synchronisation.

DAWN NEWS
 
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