In a historic move, Pakistan's President has officially signed the bill banning child marriage, raising the minimum legal age for marriage to 18 for both genders. This decision marks a significant advancement in the country's efforts to protect children's rights and promote gender equality.
Legislative Journey and Religious Opposition
The journey to this legislation has been complex and contentious. Initially, similar bills faced strong opposition from religious groups, including the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), which deemed such measures un-Islamic. In 2016, a proposed bill to raise the marriage age for females from 16 to 18 was withdrawn after religious bodies declared it "un-Islamic" .
However, recent developments indicate a shift in the legislative landscape. Despite ongoing resistance from religious factions, the bill has garnered support from various sectors, including women's rights advocates and international organizations, who view it as a crucial step towards safeguarding minors from early marriages and its associated risks.
Key Provisions of the New Law
The newly enacted law introduces stringent measures to combat child marriage. It criminalizes the act of marrying individuals under the age of 18 and imposes severe penalties on those facilitating such unions. Additionally, the law categorizes sexual relations with minors as statutory rape, aligning with international standards on child protection.
This legislation replaces outdated colonial-era laws and aligns with reforms previously implemented in provinces like Sindh, aiming for a unified national approach to combat child marriage.
Support and Criticism
Supporters of the bill, including Senator Naseema Ehsan, who married at 13 and experienced health complications from early motherhood, have lauded the legislation as a necessary step to protect children's health and education .
Conversely, critics argue that the law infringes upon personal freedoms and religious practices. Some legal experts contend that the bill violates fundamental human rights by imposing a mandatory marriage age, potentially conflicting with constitutional rights to religious freedom .
Implications for Pakistan's Future
The enactment of this law signifies a progressive shift in Pakistan's legal framework concerning children's rights and gender equality. It reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect minors from the detrimental effects of early marriages, including health risks, educational disruptions, and increased vulnerability to domestic abuse.
While challenges remain, particularly in reconciling religious interpretations with constitutional rights, this legislative development sets a precedent for future reforms aimed at enhancing the well-being and rights of children in Pakistan.
Conclusion
Pakistan's decision to ban child marriage through presidential assent represents a pivotal moment in the nation's commitment to upholding children's rights and promoting gender equality. Despite facing opposition, the law's enactment underscores the importance of legislative action in addressing social issues and protecting vulnerable populations. As the country moves forward, continued dialogue and efforts will be essential to ensure the law's effective implementation and to foster an environment where children's rights are respected and upheld.
Reference: اسلامی نظریاتی کونسل ، مولانا فضل الرحمن اور مذہبی حلقوں کے اعتراضات مسترد، صدر نے بچوں کی شادی کی ممانعت کے بل پر دستخط کردیے
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