Quetta — In a historic move, the Balochistan Assembly has passed a bill prohibiting child marriages, marking a major step toward protecting children’s rights in the province.
The legislation sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18 for both boys and girls and introduces strict penalties for those who attempt to arrange or solemnize marriages below this age. Lawmakers emphasized that the law aims to combat early marriages, improve access to education, and protect minors from exploitation.
Provincial Minister for Social Welfare stated that the bill aligns with Pakistan’s commitment to international conventions on children’s rights and will serve as a model for other provinces. Civil society groups and child rights activists have widely welcomed the legislation, calling it a “game-changer” for ending a long-standing social issue.
Authorities have also announced plans for awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of child marriages and the legal consequences of violating the new law.
