Center for Communication Programs Pakistan in collaboration with End Child Marriage Caucus organized a National Convention against the Practice of Child Marriage on September 12, 2019 in Islamabad. The event was attended by civil society organizations, UN agencies, academia, media, legislators from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab as well as religious scholars from across Pakistan.
The National Convention showcased three case studies from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh. The case studies included stories of the survivors of child marriage but also highlighted gaps within the provincial laws and gaps in its implementation along with sociological and religious perspectives of child marriages in Pakistan. These case studies were developed with support from caucus members working at the community level. Results and analysis of social media campaign run by the center were also shared.
The National Convention also displayed top three posters developed by students of Higher Educational Institutes from across Pakistan that participated in the inter-university poster competition. The winner of the competition also received prize of 50,000 PKR.
Ms. Maliha Ali Asghar Khan, Chairperson, Women Parliamentary Caucus, Provincial Assembly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shared that a draft bill, going through the process has been submitted to the cabinet for approval and that she hopes it will be tabled in the assembly soon. Ms. Rahila Khadim Hussain, member provincial assembly Punjab shared that she has submitted a bill in the assembly to increase the age of marriage of girl child from 16 to 18 years and will work with other legislators to enact such legislation.
Speakers from the religious fraternity also joined hands to speak up against the practice of Child Marriage. Maulana Muhammad Sharif Hazarvi, a renowned religious scholar remarked that keeping in view the roles and responsibilities entrusted upon the women in our society all should think beyond reasons and absence of reasons given in Shariat and decide on the best age of marriage for girls in Pakistan.
Syed Ahmad Yusuf Banuri, another renowned scholar from Karachi shared that as a nation sensitivity towards the requirements of a family unit, which forms the basis of every society, is required when child marriage is discussed. Mental maturity is an essential element and should also be taken into account, failing to do so will result in the destruction of the fabric of society.
Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, a renowned scholar and member of Council of Islamic Ideology stated that although marriage at puberty is not prohibited yet it is neither compulsory or obligatory. The capacity and capability of a women for upbringing of her children on good values should be taken into account. He further shared that awareness on this aspect among communities should be taken up before enacting any legislation. Once communities are aware, there is no reason that legislation on age cannot be done.
Mr. Ehtesham Abbas, Director, Center for Communication Programs Pakistan, shared that religious fraternity, legislators, media and civil society organizations need to come together and play their role in elimination of child marriage in Pakistan.
This initiative was part of project titled, ‘Promoting Legislation, Prompting Action to End Child Marriage in Pakistan’, a project supported by AmplifyChange. The project is currently in its second year of advocacy.