Stolen childhood: A Pakistani child bride speaks out

Child marriage remains a widespread and deeply rooted problem in Pakistan, where millions of girls are married before they turn 18 despite legal restrictions. Poverty, entrenched traditions and social pressure continue to drive the practice, cutting short girls' education and exposing them to health risks and lifelong hardship.

Experts stress that early marriage also harms girls' development, limits their future opportunities and reinforces cycles of poverty. Growing calls for reform urge families to delay marriage and allow girls to stay in school, build independence and choose their own futures.