Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered an investigation into the marriage of 45 minor girls in a village in Dadu district.
He directed the Hyderabad Commissioner to provide a report on the issue described “monsoon brides”.
Reports from AFP indicate that these marriages have taken place since the previous monsoon season. Over 15 of the ceremonies occurred in May and June this year, reports say.
The Chief Minister acted on concerns that these marriages, reportedly in exchange for money, occurred in Khan Muhammad Malgoth.
Monsoon Brides
Rights activists linked the economic impact of climate change, especially after the 2022 floods, to the resurgence in this harmful practice.
Figures show child marriages are still widespread in certain parts of Pakistan. The country is placed at number 6 globally for the prevalence of girls marrying before 18. The legal age for marriage varies between 16 and 18 depending on the region. The laws are rarely enforced.
The UNICEF has acknowledged progress in reducing child marriage. It warns that extreme weather events are exacerbating risks for young girls. Following the 2022 floods, UNICEF predicted an 18% increase in child marriages.
Farmers heavily depend on the monsoon season from July to September for their crops and livelihoods. But climate change is leading to more severe and prolonged monsoons. It resulted in devastating floods, landslides, and extensive damage to agriculture. In Sindh’s agricultural heartland, many villages remain underwater after the 2022 floods. Heavy floods devastated lives, destroyed crops, and submerged large portions of the country.
“This has led to the emergence of ‘monsoon brides’,” said Mashooque Birhmani, the founder of the NGO Sujag Sansar. The NGO works with religious leaders to tackle child marriage.
“Families are desperate for survival.”
“They are marrying off their daughters in exchange for money is often seen as the only option.”
Birhmani pointed out that monsoon brides have become more common in villages in Dadu district. The area is one of the regions most severely affected by the floods.
