Lahore: A recent survey has revealed significant regional disparities in consanguineous marriages across Punjab, underscoring a socio-cultural pattern that is more prevalent in certain districts. According to Gallup Pakistan’s analysis of the Punjab Health and Population Survey (PHPS) 2024-25, nearly half of all ever-married women in Punjab are married to their first cousin, with the rate reaching as high as 84% in Muzaffargarh compared to 37% in Sialkot.

The survey, drawing on interviews with 19,536 ever-married women aged 15-49 from 36 districts, highlights that 55.3% of these women are in consanguineous marriages. These marriages are particularly common in southern Punjab, where lagging districts such as Muzaffargarh, Lodhran, and Rajanpur report the highest rates. In contrast, districts like Sialkot, Narowal, and Sheikhupura in northern Punjab record the lowest rates. The data indicates a 47-percentage-point gap between the highest and lowest district rates, suggesting a deep-rooted regional variation.

The findings also show that first-cousin marriages are more prevalent in rural areas than urban ones, with a notable divide between lagging and non-lagging districts. In lagging districts, the rate of consanguineous marriages exceeds 70%, highlighting a significant structural divide. The survey suggests that these marriage practices are intertwined with low female education levels, especially in districts with the highest consanguinity rates.

The analysis, part of Gallup Pakistan’s Big Data series initiated by Executive Director Bilal I. Gilani, aims to bridge the gap in data accessibility and understanding. The PHPS serves as a baseline for the World Bank-supported National Health Support Program and Punjab Family Planning Program, providing critical data on various health and population indicators.