Over 18pc of girls are victims of child marriage in Pakistan, Imran Takkar
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Department of Criminology at the University of Peshawar, in collaboration with Group Development Pakistan (GDP) and various student societies, organized a significant event as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The event aimed to raise awareness and garner support for the Child Marriage Restraint Act to combat child marriage. It was attended by lawmakers, academics, civil society representatives, and students.
The event began with a speech by young social activist Ali Hassan, who emphasized the historical context of the campaign against child marriage. He discussed the importance of policy making and awareness campaigns, and praised the efforts of all those involved in the movement.
Imran Takkar, the Provincial Coordinator of GDP, presented both global and national statistics on child marriage, highlighting its dangerous impact.
He shared that approximately 12 million girls under the age of 18 are married every year worldwide, and in Pakistan, 18.3pc of girls are victims of child marriage in Pakistan.
Ijaz Muhammad Khan, the Deputy Chief of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission, spoke about the commission’s ongoing efforts.
He detailed their work in spreading awareness, implementing legal measures, and rehabilitating victims of child marriage. He emphasized the need for the enforcement of a progressive law that aligns with the social and cultural contexts of Pakistan.
Professor Dr Basharat Hussain, Chairman of the Department of Criminology, highlighted the vital role of youth participation in this campaign, urging students and young people to be actively involved in advocating against child marriage.
The event concluded with a speech by Saeed Rehman, the Director of Operations at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government and Rural Development Department. He stressed the importance of strengthening the marriage registration system and training marriage registrars to ensure proper legal documentation, which is essential for preventing child marriages.
The event was a successful platform for discussing critical issues related to child marriage and promoting collaborative efforts to address this serious social challenge.
