DESPITE being prohibited under the relevant laws, child marriages take place in several parts of the country. Thar is one unfortunate, almost tragic, areas of the country on this count. Among the most marginalised regions of Pakistan, Thar is not a very kind place for a girl growing up.

Recently, a 60-year-old man was all set to marry an 11-year-old girl. Her parents were also involved in this crime as they were the ones forcing the minor to marry the man who was older perhaps than the girl’s father.

Bounding innocent children into lifelong commitments when they cannot even understand what is at stake is criminal. Doing it at a stage when their bodies are still in the process of puberty is criminal. Doing it when they are not mature enough to even understand what maturity happens to be is criminal. It is against their rights. It is criminal. Unfortunately, our laws have failed to protect children. Therefore, it is our collective social responsibility to make sure that all children are safe.

Ending this brutal practice will not be an easy feat, but it is certainly possible if we work together through collaboration with youth, parents, community members and the government.

When parents and community leaders are educated and made aware of the negative consequences of child marriages, they will protect the rights of children and will encourage others to do the same.

Increasing access to education, removing barriers to girls’ education, providing economic support to their parents and enforcing strong legislations can also be of help in efforts to eliminate such practices. Our children deserve better. They definitely do.

Niaz Rahimoo
Umerkot

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2022