The Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) has welcomed the presidential assent to the Islamabad Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025 terming it a landmark move in the protection of children at the federal level.
In a statement on Friday , SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas said the legislation marked a significant step forward in safeguarding the fundamental rights of children across Pakistan. He remarked that With thousands of children still vulnerable to the menace of child marriage nationwide, this law’s enactment is a commendable and timely development.
He further pointed out that while Sindh had already taken steps by enacting strong legislation against child marriage, it was imperative for Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan to follow suit without delay. He added that Uniform and effective child protection laws are essential to ensure children’s rights are safeguarded throughout the country.
According to SSDO’s annual report released in April 2025, a total of 7,608 cases of child abuse, including sexual and physical violence, abduction, child labour, trafficking and child marriage were reported in 2024. This translates to an average of 21 cases reported daily.
The report also revealed a glaring failure in the justice system, noting that not a single conviction had been secured in 53 cases related to child marriage during the year, highlighting serious shortcomings in law enforcement and judicial proceedings.
