Dur Jan Hakeem
I am writing to bring to your attention the pressing issue of child marriage in Pakistan. This practice is a significant concern, as many young girls are being married off to men without their consent, often to resolve family disputes or due to poverty. In many cases, these girls are not emotionally or physically ready for marriage, and their husbands are often much older. This can lead to serious health complications, including death during childbirth. Furthermore, these young brides are often denied access to education and basic necessities like food and healthcare. The root cause of this issue is poverty and a lack of education. Many families see child marriage as a way to alleviate financial burdens, but this only perpetuates the cycle of poverty. Additionally, the practice of child marriage is often used to settle disputes or secure financial gains, rather than prioritizing the well-being of the child. To address this issue, I urge the authorities to take concrete steps. These include enforcing laws prohibiting child marriage, providing education and economic opportunities to families to alleviate poverty, raising awareness about the dangers of child marriage, and supporting organizations working to empower young girls and women.