Peshawar – A high-level ministerial briefing on advancing legislative measures to end child marriage in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was held here on Wednesday, bringing together lawmakers, government officials, development partners and civil society representatives to build consensus on stronger legal and institutional mechanisms for protecting children.
The briefing was organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) in collaboration with the Provincial Assembly Secretariat, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection Commission, and other relevant government departments and stakeholders.
Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam attended the event as the chief guest. The meeting was also attended by Members of the Provincial Assembly, Provincial Assembly Secretary Waqar Shah, women legislators from various political parties, Chairman of the SDGs Task Force MPA Asif Mehsud, the Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, the Secretary of the KPCSW, the Deputy Chief of the Child Protection Commission, representatives of UN Women and Blue Veins, and senior officials from various government departments.
Participants held detailed discussions on the social, economic and public health consequences of child marriage, emphasizing that early marriage adversely affects girls’ education, maternal and child health, economic opportunities and overall human development. They stressed that addressing the issue requires a coordinated response through effective legislation, institutional collaboration and sustained public awareness.
The meeting underscored the need for comprehensive legal reforms to strengthen child protection laws and ensure their effective implementation across the province. Participants also highlighted the importance of harmonizing legislative efforts with national and international commitments aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of children.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting legislative reforms that protect children and promote their rights.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women reiterated its commitment to providing technical assistance to the provincial government in collaboration with the Child Protection Commission, while the Provincial Assembly Secretariat assured its full support in facilitating the legislative process.
Addressing the participants, Chairperson of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women Dr Sumera Shams emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen the legislative framework for ending child marriage in the province. She called for continued coordination among lawmakers, government institutions, civil society organizations and development partners to formulate practical, effective and enforceable legislation that protects children and promotes the rights and dignity of girls.
