13-year-olds set to get married in Pakistan

A 13-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl in Pakistan have stirred widespread outrage on social media as they are set to get married. Despite legal restrictions on the minimum age for marriage in the country, this case has highlighted the persistent issue of child marriages.

In Pakistan, the legal marriage age for males is 18, but for females, it remains 16 despite the minimum age for both genders being recognised as 18 internationally. While Sindh province did pass legislation in 2013 to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 for both genders, this change has not been implemented nationwide.

This has drawn sharp criticism, particularly after details emerged that the boy had issued an ultimatum, stating that he would only continue his studies if he were allowed to marry the girl. Their families got them engaged and are on the same page regarding the wedding.

According to Reviewit.pk, reports indicate that the couple’s “Baat Pakki” ceremony, a traditional engagement event, has already taken place, with both mothers speaking to the media. Shockingly, the girl’s mother, herself married at 16, expressed acceptance of her daughter’s early marriage, citing her own experience. Similarly, the boy’s mother, despite marrying at the age of 25, has supported her son’s desire to marry at such a young age.