DLP Report
PESHAWAR
A high-level ministerial briefing on legislative measures to end child marriages in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was held in Peshawar on Wednesday, with participants stressing the need for stronger laws and effective enforcement to protect children’s rights.
The briefing was organised by the KP Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) in collaboration with the Provincial Assembly Secretariat, the Child Protection Commission and other government departments.
Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam attended the event as chief guest. The meeting was also attended by members of the provincial assembly, Provincial Assembly Secretary Waqar Shah, women lawmakers, SDGs Task Force Chairman Asif Mehsud, senior government officials, representatives of UN Women and Blue Veins, and members of civil society.
Participants discussed the social, economic and health impacts of child marriages, observing that the practice adversely affected girls’ education, maternal and child health, economic opportunities and overall human development.
They emphasised that ending child marriages required coordinated efforts through stronger legislation, institutional collaboration and sustained public awareness campaigns.
The participants also highlighted the need to strengthen child protection laws and ensure their effective implementation while aligning provincial legislation with national and international commitments on children’s rights.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Aslam reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting legislative reforms aimed at protecting children and promoting their rights.
KPCSW Chairperson Dr Sumera Shams stressed the importance of collaboration among lawmakers, government institutions, civil society organisations and development partners to develop practical and effective legislation to end child marriages and safeguard the rights and dignity of girls.
The KPCSW also reiterated its commitment to providing technical support to the provincial government, while the Provincial Assembly Secretariat assured participants of its full cooperation in facilitating the legislative process.
