21/05/2025
It is very disappointing that the president Aimal Wali Khan of the Awami National Party, which calls itself a liberal nationalist party, is speaking against the law that sets the minimum age of marriage at 18. This law is very important because it protects children from harm and gives them a chance for a better future.
Parties like ANP should be leading the way in protecting human rights and standing up for the rights of children. But by opposing this law, it seems they are afraid to go against old customs and traditions that are harmful. It looks like they don’t want to upset certain groups of voters who still support child marriage, and so they choose politics over what is right for the children.
What is especially concerning is that he seems to support the idea that reaching puberty alone is enough reason to get married. This is a very narrow and dangerous way to look at marriage. Puberty means a child’s body is physically developing, but marriage is much more than just physical maturity. It is a lifelong responsibility that requires emotional readiness, mental maturity, financial stability, and social understanding, things that children simply do not have.
Child marriage is not just a cultural issue, it is a serious problem that hurts children, especially girls. It stops them from going to school, causes health problems, and traps them in poverty and inequality. Saying no to the minimum age law because of “societal norms” ignores the fact that society should grow and protect its weakest members.
Political leaders should have the courage to stand for what is right, even if it means going against old ways and some voters. Putting political gains before the safety and dignity of children only holds Pakistan back. The president of ANP and other leaders must remember that protecting children is more important than politics. Supporting the law to set marriage age at 18 is not just about rules, it is about giving every child a chance to live a healthy, safe, and hopeful life.
