Pakistan Criminalizes Child Marriage: A Landmark Victory

Pakistan Makes History: Child Marriage Criminalized. A landmark bill unanimously passed by the National Assembly criminalizes the marriage of children under 18. This follows years of advocacy and legal challenges. Shireen Mazari, a key figure in the bill's passage, stated, "This is a milestone for all of us." The new law not only criminalizes underage marriage but also includes penalties, addressing concerns about women's rights and child protection. While some opposition exists, particularly from the Council of Islamic Ideology, the Federal Shariat Court's recent ruling supports the bill, paving the way for its implementation nationwide. The long-awaited victory marks a significant step towards safeguarding children's rights and promoting gender equality in Pakistan.