Child marriages were, and still are, a difficult norm to break, especially in South Asia where poverty and illiteracy rates override any negative implications. The consequences, therefore, are taken in a stride as men and women continue to suffer and are emotionally blackmailed to maintain the status quo.
Child marriage portends a sad future for children especially in regressive societies, and is a denial of their basic right to innocence and a stress-free childhood. Its roots lie in tribal beliefs and patriarchal cultures that plague the rural areas especially.
The law in Pakistan does not allow marriage to take place until the girl is 16 and the boy is 18. Parents, however, tie the knot for their children before they reach the marriageable age, defying the law in a bid to save family honour and fortune.
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