Peshawar child marriage stopped, minor placed in care

Authorities have stopped the marriage of a minor girl in the Phandu area of Peshawar, preventing the underage

Authorities have stopped the marriage of a minor girl in the Phandu area of Peshawar, preventing the underage marriage from taking place.

The Child Protection Commission said the girl was identified as being at risk of an underage marriage. Following the intervention, she was taken into protective custody and shifted to the welfare organisation Zwanong Kor for her safety and care.

Officials said the girl will be produced before the Child Protection Court, where the matter will be examined in accordance with the law. The court is expected to determine the appropriate legal and protective measures for the minor.

The Child Protection Commission has not disclosed the identity of the girl or provided further details about her family to protect her privacy.

Child marriage remains a serious concern, as underage marriages can expose children to significant social, educational and health-related risks. Child protection authorities have been working to prevent such marriages and ensure that minors receive appropriate legal protection.

The latest intervention in Peshawar highlights the role of child protection authorities and welfare organisations in responding to cases involving vulnerable children.

Child marriage remains one of Pakistan’s most persistent social challenges, depriving thousands of girls of their childhood, education, health, and future opportunities. While the country has made significant progress in recognizing the dangers of this harmful practice, millions of children particularly girls continue to face early marriages driven by poverty, social traditions, and gender inequality. Recent legislative efforts, especially in Punjab, signal a promising shift toward stronger child protection. However, laws alone cannot eliminate child marriage unless they are backed by effective enforcement and widespread public awareness.

According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017–18, nearly one in every six girls (18.3 percent) is married before reaching the age of 18, while 3.6 percent are married before the age of 15. In many rural and economically disadvantaged communities, early marriage is still viewed as a cultural norm or a means of reducing financial burdens on families. Unfortunately, these decisions often condemn girls to lives marked by poor health, interrupted education, and limited economic opportunities.