Child Marriage Crisis in Flood-Stricken Pakistan
Nearly 50 young Pakistani girls have reportedly been married off for money as families struggle to make ends meet in flood-stricken areas of Sindh province. The economic insecurity caused by the 2022 floods has led to a resurgence in child marriages in the region.
Child marriage is prevalent in Pakistan, with laws against it rarely enforced. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered an investigation into the recent incidents and formed a committee to delve deeper into the issue.
The rise in child marriages has prompted organizations like Sujag Sansar to provide vocational training for girls from poor households. Women’s rights advocates emphasize the need for comprehensive disaster recovery, improved economic opportunities, education, and legal protections to address the structural causes behind child marriages.
Efforts to combat this crisis are crucial to protect vulnerable girls and promote gender equality in Pakistan.
This story is written by Arshad Mehmood and reprinted with permission from The Media Line
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