Courtesy: UNICEF
Video: YouTube
UNICEF calls for collective action to end child marriage in Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD, 28 May 2025: UNICEF has launched a video campaign featuring National Ambassador Saba Qamar, to raise awareness about the urgent need to end child marriage in Pakistan. The video calls on communities to speak up against this harmful practice and reinforces UNICEF’s commitment to protect the rights of children and empower girls across Pakistan.
In the video, UNICEF’s National Ambassador for Child Rights, Saba Qamar, highlights the impact of child marriage on young girls’ futures and calls for unified action to protect children.
UNICEF National Ambassador Saba Qamar
“Why should any child in Pakistan be forced into a marriage and a future they did not choose? With all the risks to their health and education, we cannot allow this to go unchallenged. Last year in Sujawal, Sindh, I witnessed firsthand the impact of child marriage and the difference UNICEF’s work is making. I met inspiring young champions like Anam Nazir, 14, who stopped three marriages in her community,” said Ms Qamar. “I am proud to lend my voice to this campaign, for all the girls, and sometimes boys too, who suffer behind closed doors because of child marriage.”
Pakistan has the sixth highest number of child brides globally, with an estimated 19 million girls married before age 18. Nearly half become pregnant before their 18th birthday, posing serious health risks for both mother and child. Only 13 per cent of married girls finish secondary school compared to 44 per cent of unmarried peers, limiting their future opportunities and independence.
“We cannot allow the circumstances a child is born into dictate their entire futures. Child marriage is often fueled by poverty, but it is also deeply rooted in entrenched gender norms and societal expectations,” said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. “We need legal reforms and enforcement, cultural change, and greater investment in adolescent girls – in their rights, their well-being and their potential. How can Pakistan succeed when half the team is left on the sidelines?”
UNICEF welcomes the recent decision by the Islamabad Capital Territory to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18, joining Sindh province, and encourages all remaining provinces and territories to seize the momentum and follow suit.
The campaign video is part of UNICEF’s broader advocacy work in collaboration with UNFPA, UN Women, and government partners. Efforts include:
- Raising the legal age of marriage to 18 across all provinces.
- Engaging communities through dialogue with parents, caregivers, and religious leaders and communication campaigns like BOLO (Speak up).
- Promoting girl-led activism and youth champions.
UNICEF National Ambassador Saba Qamar’s Video on Child Marriage
“Ms. Qamar is a powerful advocate for children,” said Mr. Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. “We are proud to work with her to shine a light on the challenges too many children face, and to accelerate progress toward a future where every child—especially every girl—can learn, grow, and thrive.”
Child marriage must end, it’s time to empower Pakistan’s girls, says UNICEF ambassador Saba Qamar
By Dialogue Pakistan
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the fight for children’s rights.
Renowned Pakistani actress Saba Qamar was appointed as the country’s first National Ambassador for Children’s Rights by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The ceremony, held in Karachi on the International Day of the Girl Child, marked a significant milestone in the fight for children’s rights.
“I have joined UNICEF’s mission for the rights of children in Pakistan, especially for the empowerment of girls,” Saba Qamar said in an interview with Independent Urdu.
“It is an honor for me to be the ambassador. I pledge to play my part for the betterment of the children and youth of Pakistan so that they have the opportunity to dream and act to fulfill their dreams,” she added.
Pakistan faces alarming statistics, with 1.9 million young girls married, ranking sixth globally.
More than half of teenage girls become pregnant before their 18th birthday, posing life-threatening risks for both mother and child.
Saba said she will work against child marriage, citing its detrimental impact on girls’ rights.
During her visits to various Sindh districts, including Sajawal, with UNICEF, Saba witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by children.
“One thing is clear: UNICEF has done remarkable work, providing medicine and education facilities. However, clean water for children remains a significant problem there.”
According to Saba, she will leverage her international platform to raise awareness about critical issues, including child marriage, mental health, lack of education, gender equality, climate change, violence, exploitation, and poverty.
“She is a strong defender of women’s and girls’ rights. We look forward to working with her to address Pakistan’s biggest challenges and help every child realise their true potential,” Abdullah Fazil UNICEF’s head in Pakistan said welcoming the Kamli star.