ISLAMABAD: Almost 60 percent of girls in Balochistan and Sindh were married before turning 18, a new survey revealed, as lawmakers, officials and civil society leaders pledged united action against child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM).
The National Civil Society Dialogue and Dissemination Event on Ending Child, Early, and Forced Marriage, organised by Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO) with support from the U.S. State Department and Save the Children, took place at Islamabad’s Marriott Hotel.
Two panel discussions, moderated by Farhat Ali Sheikh of SPO and Munazza Ali of Save the Children, featured experts including Dr Manizeh Bano of Sahil, Afreen Kanwal of CEFM, Peace by Youth head Nisar Ahmed, Naseerabad Commissioner Salahuddin Norzai, Balochistan Commission on Status of Women chair Kiran Balouch, and district officials from Sindh and Balochistan. Youth advocates Aqsa Abdul Raheem and Arsalan Khan also addressed the forum.
Parliamentarians and provincial representatives, including MPA Saima Agha from Sindh, MNA Dr Nikhat Shakeel Khan, and Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam, reaffirmed political commitment to child protection. Balochistan official Muhammad Saleem Khosa and NGO leader Ali Ansar Sidhu also pledged support.
Save the Children’s country director Khurram Gondal called the initiative “a vital step in addressing one of Pakistan’s most pressing social challenges,” urging consistent and collective action beyond policies. Former senator Javed Jabbar, co-founder of SPO, praised the effort as “a critical step toward empowering girls,” invoking the legacies of Fatima Jinnah and Benazir Bhutto.
SPO chief executive Arifa Mazhar closed the event by urging stakeholders to move beyond project-based interventions and build a community-driven movement. “This is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter in the fight against child marriage,” she said.
Also Read: Balochistan CM vows “respectful & organized” repatriation for Afghan refugees
The gathering concluded with a joint pledge by government institutions, parliamentarians and civil society groups to strengthen legal protections, expand awareness campaigns and ensure children in Pakistan grow up safe, educated and free from early marriage.
