New law sets marriage age at 18, but child marriage continues in South PunjabCEFR A1
21 Sept 2025
Adapted from Mahpara Zulqadar, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Assad Tanoli, Unsplash
- In South Punjab child marriage is still common today.
- A 14-year-old girl lives in Behal village, District Layyah.
- Her name is Zunaira and she wants to teach science.
- Her family arranged her marriage to an older man.
- The man is about twice her age.
- Her mother says, "We don't have a choice."
- In May 2025 Pakistan set the legal marriage age to 18.
- Many families marry girls because of poverty and traditions.
- Weak law enforcement and missing birth papers help marriages.
Difficult words
- marriage — The act of joining two people as partners.marry, married
- girl — A young female person.girls
- protect — To keep from harm or danger.
- school — A place for learning.
- law — Rules made by the government.laws
- family — A group of people living together.
- teacher — A person who teaches students.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think some girls marry young?
- What can be done to help girls go to school?
- How important is having a choice in marriage?
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