Islamabad: Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, has conveyed the federal government’s commitment to collaborate with provincial governments to align laws, enhance enforcement, and promote awareness to eradicate early marriage. He shared these insights during his concluding remarks at the International Conference on “Age of Marriage Legislations in Muslim Countries: Best Practices and Lessons Learnt” held in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, Barrister Aqeel Malik highlighted the legal and moral obligation to shield children from early marriage, describing it as a crucial investment in the nation’s future. He pointed out Pakistan’s legislative efforts to protect children from early and forced marriages, referencing the foundational Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929. He also mentioned significant legislative advancements such as the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2013, and the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2025, which set the legal marriage age at 18.

The Minister of State stressed the necessity of standardizing marriage laws across all provinces, aligning them with Pakistan’s constitutional commitments and international human rights treaties.