Sindh Chief Minister Orders Inquiry into Child Marriages

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has launched an investigation into the alarming rise of child marriages in Dadu district, specifically focusing on the marriage of 45 girls from Khan Muhammad Mulla Goth since the last monsoon season. Economic hardships exacerbated by the 2022 floods, which devastated the region, have led families to hasten these marriages, often in exchange for financial support. The Chief Minister has directed the Hyderabad Commissioner to compile a detailed report on the social, economic, and legal circumstances surrounding these cases and to assess whether the families were affected by the floods. This surge in child marriages highlights a national issue, as Pakistan has the sixth-highest rate of underage marriages globally, with weak enforcement of existing laws. Additionally, UNICEF reports suggest that extreme weather events contribute significantly to this troubling trend. CM Shah's initiative aims not only to address the immediate cases but also to implement preventative measures for the future.