LAHORE, May 20, 2025 - Former Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA), Former Parliamentary Secretary Women Development department Punjab, and senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sania Kamran has commended Senator Sherry Rehman for her instrumental role in the passage of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, which was approved by the Senate yesterday after multiple attempts spanning seven years.

"I want to express my deepest admiration and congratulations to Senator Sherry Rehman, a true champion of Human Rights, for her unwavering commitment in bringing forward and finally securing passage of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill. This landmark legislation, which finally passed in the Senate after three attempts over seven years, will restrict marriages under the age of 18 in the Islamabad Capital Territory.

Despite facing shocking opposition from various corners, Senator Rehman's persistence, coupled with support from both coalition partners and reasonable voices in the opposition, has finally delivered this crucial protection for our children. Her leadership on this issue exemplifies the progressive values our party has long championed, she said.

Ms. Kamran noted that despite facing significant opposition, the bill secured passage thanks to crucial support from both coalition partners and members of the opposition who recognized its importance. The legislation represents a critical step in addressing serious public health concerns in Pakistan.

The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. In Pakistan, every 50 minutes, a woman loses her life in childbirth – a tragedy often rooted in child marriage. Child marriages are directly responsible for the stunting we see in 40% of our children under the age of 5, because child brides cannot effectively advocate for their children's nutrition or health, let alone their own wellbeing, she said.

The former MPA placed the legislation in historical context, pointing out that Pakistan's founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, fought for restrictions on child marriage as early as 1929, well before the country's independence. She also highlighted that Sindh province, under a PPP government, had passed similar legislation eleven years ago.

I now call upon Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan to follow this example and give this issue their urgent attention. Raise the marriage age to 18 in your provinces as well. Give our children a chance at education, health, and a meaningful future, she urged.

The Senate's passing of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, thanks to Senator Sherry Rehman's leadership, represents a monumental step toward justice and progress in Pakistan. At last, a clear message has been sent: childhood must not be sacrificed at the altar of tradition, she said.

Ms. Kamran pointed out the inconsistency in current Pakistani laws, noting, "It is a troubling contradiction that in our country, one must be 18 to drive — yet marriage at 16 is still permitted in many provinces. How can a girl be deemed too immature to operate a vehicle, but old enough to bear the burdens of marriage and motherhood?"

"Child marriages are often the reason that every 50 minutes, a woman in Pakistan loses her life in childbirth," Ms Kamran explained. "They are also a primary factor behind the stunting we see in 40 percent of Pakistani children under the age of five, because child brides lack the agency to advocate for their children's nutrition or health, let alone their own wellbeing."

"Senator Sherry Rehman deserves our highest praise for bringing forward this landmark law that we finally passed yesterday in the Senate after three attempts over seven years," She said.

The former legislator emphasized that Senator Rehman's achievement goes beyond mere legal reform. "The Senate's passing of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill is a monumental step toward justice and progress in Pakistan. Raising the legal age of marriage to 18 is not just a legal formality — it is an investment in education, in empowerment, and in informed decision-making. The future of our girls depends on it."

Child rights organizations across Pakistan have joined Sania Kamran in celebrating the bill's passage, with many expressing hope that all provinces will soon adopt similar measures to ensure consistent protection for children throughout the country.