Child marriage refers to the marriage (formal or informal) of any person under 18 years of age. In Sindh, all marriages below 18 are illegal, regardless of religion, custom, consent, or parental agreement. Children may be forced or pressured into marriage due to poverty, family pressure, social customs, honour concerns, or coercion.
Child marriage exposes children , especially girls to:
Police must apply the relevant provisions of the following laws.
| Federal/Provincial Laws | |
|---|---|
| Law | Relevance |
| Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2013 | Makes marriage under 18 a criminal offence and holds facilitators liable |
| Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (PPC) | Applies where coercion, trafficking, rape or abuse occurs |
| Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (CrPC) | FIR registration and investigation procedures |
| Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018 (PTIP) | Applies where marriage is used for exploitation, sale or movement of children |
| Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, 2011 | Requires referral and protection services for affected children |
✔ Marriage under 18 = Criminal Offence
✔ Consent of a child is not valid in law
✔ Custom, religion or family decision is NOT a defence
✔ A married child under 18 is still legally a child
Police must:
✘ Treat child marriage as a “family issue”
✘ Suggest compromise or reconciliation
✘ Pressure the child to return home if unsafe
✘ Delay FIR registration
✘ Blame the child or question their morality
Police must coordinate with:
| Institution | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA)/ Child Protection Unit | Case management and protective placement |
| Social Welfare / Registered Shelters | Safe alternative care |
| Health Services | Maternal or psychological care if needed |
Marriage does not end childhood. A married person under 18 remains a child under law and must be protected.