Gallup survey finds 10% of married Pakistanis are aged 15–19

A recent Gallup Pakistan survey has revealed that 10 percent of married individuals in the country are between the ages of 15 and 19, highlighting the continuing prevalence of child marriage despite legal restrictions.

According to the report, while marriages below 18 years of age are considered illegal, the practice remains relatively common, although the trend has shown a gradual decline over time.

The 10 percent figure translates to approximately 2 million married individuals in Pakistan within this age group.

The survey found that Balochistan has the highest rate of child marriages, followed by certain districts in former FATA and Sindh, whereas the rate is lower in Islamabad and Punjab.

Results indicate that girls are disproportionately affected, with around 15 percent of females aged 15–19 reporting being married. In rural areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan, the rate rises to nearly 30 percent.

The findings underscore ongoing challenges in addressing child marriage in Pakistan, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions, despite existing legal frameworks.