UNICEF teams up with Saba Qamar to combat child marriage in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a major initiative against Child marriages in Pakistan, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has started an awareness campaign and joined hands with Pakistan’s film Filmstar saba Qamar, who is also UNICEF’s National Ambassador.

Saba Qamar, in a video message as part of the campaign, underlines the impact of early marriage of girls on their future, including education, health, and future endeavors.

She also calls on the public to speak up against the early marriages of girls and emphasizes the protection of children’s rights.

“Why should a child be pushed into a marriage and a life they didn’t choose?” she questioned. “Last year in Sujawal, Sindh, I met a brave 14-year-old girl named Anam Nazir who prevented three child marriages in her area. That experience showed me the power of awareness and community action.”

“I’m proud to stand with this cause and raise my voice for those girls — and sometimes boys — who silently suffer because of this harmful practice”, she said.

“Miss Qamar is a powerful advocate for children,” said Abdullah Fadil, a UNICEF representative in Pakistan.

“We are proud to work with her to shine a light on the challenges too many children face, and to accelerate progress toward a future where every child — especially every girl — can learn, grow, and thrive.”

Pakistan has almost 19 million girls married before they turn 18, making it the sixth-largest country in the world for child brides. Almost 50% of these females become mothers while still underage, putting their health at significant risk.

Additionally impacted are educational outcomes: just 13% of married females finish secondary school, whereas 44% of unmarried girls do so.

In line with the province of Sindh, Unicef applauded the recent decision by the Islamabad Capital Territory to raise the legal marriage age to 18. The organization encouraged other areas and provinces to follow suit.