In Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, police apprehended a 70-year-old man on Monday for marrying a 13-year-old girl. The marriage, arranged by the girl’s father, came to light prompting swift action from law enforcement.
Both the elderly groom and the girl’s father were taken into custody, along with the officiator and witnesses of the marriage. Meanwhile, the young girl was taken to the hospital for medical examination.
Child marriage is in direct violation of the constitutional rights outlined in Pakistan’s laws, which prioritize the protection of all citizens, especially women and children.
Pakistan’s existing legislation, the antiquated Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, establishes the minimum marriage age at 16 for girls and 18 for boys.
Despite efforts by lawmakers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to raise the minimum marriage age to 18, progress has been impeded by concerns over resistance from conservative factions.
