The current draft of the anti-child marriage bill, developed with inputs from the Council of Islamic Ideology, religious scholars, political parties, and other stakeholders, has been stuck in legislative limbo.
In the rugged terrain of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, where societal traditions often overshadow progressive ideals, the persistent practice of child marriages remains a grim reality. Leading a determined fight against this practice is Shagufta Khan, a survivor turned activist, whose personal experiences have fueled her mission to protect vulnerable young girls from a similar fate.
Born and raised in Quetta, Shagufta’s life took a dramatic turn at the tender age of 15 when she was married off to a man in his seventies. Reflecting on her ordeal, she describes a life riddled with domestic troubles and mistreatment by her in-laws. “The huge age difference between us made me realize that neither my husband nor I could comprehend each other’s differing points of view on how to carry their relationship,” Shagufta shared in an interview with Voicepk.net. After enduring years of hardship, she made the courageous decision to separate from her husband, reclaiming her life and independence.
Today, Shagufta is living a peaceful and fulfilling life, but she has not forgotten her painful past. Determined to make a difference, she established a welfare organization dedicated to combating child marriages. “I have seen young girls being tortured and thought, how long would the practice of child marriages last in our society?” she questioned. Her work involves visiting households, engaging directly with parents, and urging them to delay their daughters’ marriages. Her efforts are part of a broader movement to create awareness about the harmful consequences of early marriages, including physical health risks, psychological trauma, and the long-term societal impact.
A Legislative Struggle
While grassroots activism continues to challenge entrenched norms, the legislative battle against child marriages in Balochistan has been disappointingly sluggish. Human rights activist Sana Durrani, who has long campaigned against this practice, highlights the challenges. “Since 2010, activists have worked towards legislation to stop child marriages, but the proposed bills, despite approvals from cabinets on several occasions, could not proceed to the voting stage in the provincial assembly,” she explained.
The current draft of the anti-child marriage bill, developed with inputs from the Council of Islamic Ideology, religious scholars, political parties, and other stakeholders, has been stuck in legislative limbo. Although approved by the provincial cabinet, it has yet to be tabled in the provincial assembly for a vote. This delay has left activists and community members frustrated, as they continue to witness the devastating consequences of child marriages in districts like Turbat and other parts of the province.
Raising Awareness through Art
Efforts to combat child marriages are not limited to legislative advocacy. In a recent event organized at a hotel in Quetta, a private organization showcased a short film titled Salma. The film poignantly depicted the severe consequences of child marriages, including the health risks faced by young mothers and the broader societal implications. “The purpose of producing and screening Salma is to raise societal awareness of marrying girls at an appropriate age,” said Sadia Atta, provincial lead of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The event drew a significant audience of men and women, demonstrating a growing recognition of the issue among local communities. Such initiatives play a critical role in challenging deeply ingrained cultural practices and fostering dialogue about the importance of education and empowerment for girls.
Political Promises and Grim Realities
Adding a glimmer of hope, Hadia Nawaz, a member of the Balochistan Assembly, recently announced that the provincial cabinet had approved measures to curb child marriages. She expressed optimism that the legislation would soon gain full approval in the assembly. If passed, this could mark a turning point in the fight against the practice.
However, activists warn against complacency. Organizations working on the issue report alarming maternal mortality rates among young brides and the collapse of families forced into premature unions. Despite these stark realities, the government has yet to implement effective, long-term solutions.
The Road Ahead
The battle against child marriages in Balochistan remains an uphill climb. While awareness campaigns and grassroots efforts have made some progress, the absence of robust legislation and enforcement continues to hinder meaningful change. Shagufta Khan’s tireless advocacy and the efforts of organizations like UNFPA and local activists highlight the potential for a brighter future. But the question lingers: will these efforts finally galvanize the political will needed to end child marriages in Balochistan?
As the proposed anti-child marriage bill awaits its day on the assembly floor, the voices of survivors like Shagufta, activists like Sana Durrani, and countless other silent sufferers call for urgent action. Their collective hope is to break the cycle of early marriages, ensuring that young girls in Balochistan can dream of a life beyond societal constraints—a life defined by education, opportunity, and choice.
