The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) recently voted against including an age limit for marital unions of individuals under 18 in existing Pakistani laws. This week, the Council argued that such a ban would not fit with Islamic traditions, as understood by the body.
Small groups wanting to support children’s rights and parliamentarians put forward a bill that sought to raise the minimum legal age for marriage to 18 for all genders. While Sindh now has a law prohibiting child marriage, girls in Punjab and other areas must wait until they are 16 to get married.
CII uses religious values to explain their position.
According to Ayaz, the CII applied Islamic law for its ruling, as it does not give a fixed minimum age for marriage. During a press meeting, Ayaz said that Sharia lets a marriage contract be formed once a person is in puberty which occurs for most people before 18.
They also point out that this approach seems to ignore what current human rights and medical information recommend. “The issue goes beyond religion, as it is a problem of public health and human rights,” Samar Minallah stated.
Reaction by the Public and Increased Political Conflict
People in civil society, doctors and some members of Parliament have criticized the Council’s position. In her comments, MNA Shazia Marri said the situation shows we are failing our girls and must support stricter restrictions. Young marriages often result in poverty, ignorance and dangers to a child’s mother. People should not rely on religion to argue for this.”
Different social media sites were bombarded with criticism using hashtags like #EndChildMarriage and #ChildrenNotBrides. Some people have pointed out that the CII misses the mark in today’s world and unintentionally makes it harder to save children and girls from experiencing lifelong harm.
What’s Next? Soon, a Battle in Parliament May Happen
Parliament will now need to deal with the issue. While the CII gives suggestions, these are respected and accepted widely in Pakistan’s politics and laws. On one side, conservatives back the CII’s position, while progressives promise to push for the bill regardless.
Experts point out that any new law that goes against Islamic teachings could be challenged under the constitution, leading to more problems for the country.
For Years, the Issue Has Divided People
For a long period, Pakistan’s treatment of child marriage has come under worldwide review. UNICEF says that about 18% of Pakistani girls are married before they turn 18. People often look to Sindh for how to tackle child marriage, but each time an effort is made to extend these laws across Pakistan, the CII stops it.
As people keep debating politics and morality, it’s clear that Pakistan is trying to move between its tradition and its modern side. If it decides in favor of minors or religious law traditions, the results could last over many generations.
