KARACHI: Child marriages is a serious issue in Pakistan, badly affecting our society, says noted Human Rights Attorney of Pakistan and President of Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid (LHRLA) President Zia Ahmed Awan, said in a statement here Friday.
He said the number of child marriage cases probably exceeds the number given by the WHO. He said early marriages mean snatching childhood from children. He said there are comprehensive laws in Pakistan against child marriages and forced marriages; however, these laws are not being properly implemented. He said as per law consent of marriage before attaining the age of 18 years is not allowed in law. He said marrying a girl who is below 18 years of age may fall in category of rape.
He said early marriages snatch the memorable days of childhood from young people and instead of giving focus to their education, physical buildup and career, they suddenly become burdened with heavy responsibilities of parenthood.
Zia Awan said forced child marriage is a crime, especially in our province Sindh and also in Balochistan. There is three years imprisonment for this crime. The people who facilitate child marriage including parents, relatives, witnesses and Nikah-khuwan, etc. could also be tried for this crime.
He said if someone knows that a child marriage is about to happen and he informs local magistrate about it, the magistrate can issue a stay order to ensure this marriage is not solemnized. The people who arrange this marriage could be arrested and sentenced for three years.