The Provincial Assembly of the Punjab hosted a parliamentary consultation on ending child marriage chaired by Sarah Ahmad (T.I), Convener of the Gender Mainstreaming Committee and Convener of the Child Rights Caucus. The session, organised by UNFPA Pakistan under the Aawaz II initiative, gathered lawmakers and stakeholders to pursue concrete measures to end child marriage in the province.
Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan attended the consultation as chief guest, joining Members of the Punjab Assembly, a representative of the US Consulate, the Secretary General of the Punjab Assembly, the Country Representative of UNFPA, and other national and international participants. The meeting emphasised the need for parliamentary leadership and cross‑sector collaboration to address the issue at scale.
Participants reaffirmed a strong commitment to strengthen legislation and enforcement mechanisms while protecting girls’ education, health, and future prospects. Delegates discussed policy options to prevent early marriage, enhance access to schooling, and improve health services for adolescent girls as part of a broader strategy to end child marriage.
Speakers underlined that legislative reform, sustained investment in girls’ education and health, and coordinated implementation by government and partners are essential to end child marriage in Punjab. The consultation concluded with a call for accelerated action and continued stakeholder engagement to safeguard the rights and futures of girls across the province.
