The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) has urged the Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to help build political consensus on increasing the minimum legal age of marriage to 18 years. The Commission described Child Marriage as a major child protection and human rights issue that requires urgent legislative attention.
The request follows a high-level ministerial briefing on Child Marriage held on 22 July 2026. The event was jointly organized by KPCSW, UN Women, and Blue Veins. It brought together lawmakers, senior government officials, legal experts, development partners, civil society organizations, and youth representatives.
The participants discussed legal reforms and practical steps to strengthen the protection of children in the province. They agreed that broad political support is necessary before any legislative changes can move forward.
KPCSW Requests Assembly Consultation
Following the meeting, KPCSW Chairperson Sumera Shams formally wrote to Speaker Babar Saleem Swati. She requested him to arrange a closed-door consultation inside the Provincial Assembly.
The proposed meeting would include parliamentary leaders, government departments, religious scholars, legal experts, development partners, civil society organizations, and youth representatives. The purpose is to discuss the proposed amendments and work toward a shared legislative solution.
According to the Commission, the Speaker’s Office can provide a neutral platform where all stakeholders can exchange views and build agreement on the proposed reforms.
Current Legal Position in KP
The Commission noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is one of only two provinces where the minimum legal age of marriage for girls remains 16 years.
In comparison, Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory have already set the minimum legal marriage age at 18 years for both girls and boys.
KPCSW believes aligning provincial law with these regions would improve legal consistency across Pakistan.
Importance of the Proposed Reform
The Commission said raising the legal marriage age would strengthen child protection and reduce the risks linked to Child Marriage.
It also believes the change would help more girls continue their education and reduce harmful social practices. In addition, the reform would support Pakistan’s constitutional responsibilities and international commitments related to children’s rights.
Participants at the briefing agreed that legislative reform should be supported by all major political parties. They emphasized that lasting progress depends on cooperation between lawmakers and other stakeholders.
Commission Reaffirms Commitment
Chairperson Sumera Shams appreciated the Speaker and the Secretary of the Provincial Assembly for supporting dialogue on the issue. She said their leadership could help build the consensus needed to advance important legal reforms.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children’s rights across the province.
Through its dedicated Sub-Committee on Child Marriage, the Commission will continue working with legislators, government institutions, religious scholars, development partners, civil society groups, and local communities.
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The committee plans to promote evidence-based legal reforms, strengthen public awareness, and encourage constructive dialogue on child protection issues. The Commission hopes these efforts will support future legislation and improve the well-being, rights, and dignity of every child in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
