Islamabad: Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, concluded an international conference by emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to curbing early marriages through legislative measures. The conference, organized by the Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy, focused on marriage laws in Muslim countries.

Barrister Malik acknowledged the insights shared by representatives from Bangladesh, Morocco, Egypt, and Indonesia, noting their shared commitment to protecting and empowering girls in line with Islamic principles and global human rights standards.

He highlighted Pakistan’s legislative progress, referencing the foundational Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, and subsequent reforms such as the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2013, and the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2025, which set the minimum legal marriage age at 18.

The Christian Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2024, was also noted for aligning the marriage age for both men and women at 18, underscoring the Government’s dedication to equality and protection for all citizens.

Barrister Malik stressed the need for uniform marriage laws across provinces to comply with Pakistan’s constitutional commitments and international treaties like the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

He addressed the social impact of early marriages, highlighting their role in depriving girls of education, perpetuating poverty, and increasing health risks. Malik emphasized that Islam supports marriage as a covenant based on maturity and consent, aligning with children’s rights and human dignity.

The Minister reiterated the Government’s resolve to collaborate with provincial authorities to harmonize laws, enforce regulations, and raise awareness, viewing the protection of children from early marriage as both a legal and moral duty, and crucial for the nation’s future.