ISLAMABAD, 28 May 2025:UNICEF Pakistan has launched a powerful video campaign featuring its National Ambassador for Child Rights, actress Saba Qamar, to raise urgent awareness about ending child marriage in the country. The video calls on communities to speak out against the harmful practice and underscores UNICEF’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and empowering girls nationwide.
In the campaign video, Saba Qamar highlights the devastating impact child marriage has on young girls’ futures, stressing the need for unified action to protect children. Sharing her personal experience from Sujawal, Sindh, where she witnessed the effects of child marriage, she praised young activists like 14-year-old Anam Nazir who prevented multiple child marriages in her community. Qamar emphasized that no child should be forced into marriage and a future they did not choose, given the severe risks to health and education.
Pakistan ranks sixth globally in child marriage, with approximately 19 million girls married before age 18. Nearly half of these girls become pregnant before adulthood, which leads to significant health risks for both mother and child. Education also suffers, as only 13 percent of married girls complete secondary school compared to 44 percent of their unmarried peers, limiting their life opportunities.
Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF’s Representative in Pakistan, pointed out that child marriage is fueled not only by poverty but also entrenched gender norms and societal expectations. He stressed the need for legal reforms, cultural change, and greater investment in adolescent girls’ rights and well-being to ensure Pakistan’s success.
The campaign applauds the recent decision by Islamabad Capital Territory to raise the minimum marriage age to 18, joining Sindh province, and urges other provinces to follow suit. It forms part of UNICEF’s wider advocacy efforts in partnership with UNFPA, UN Women, and government agencies, including promoting legal age reforms, engaging communities through dialogue, and supporting girl-led activism and youth champions.
Fadil concluded by praising Saba Qamar as a “powerful advocate for children” and reaffirmed UNICEF’s dedication to accelerating progress towards a future where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
