Saba Qamar leads Unicef's campaign against child marriage in Pakistan

The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) launched a video campaign — featuring its National Ambassador for Child Rights Saba Qamar — to raise awareness about the urgent need to end child marriage in Pakistan.

“I met inspiring young champions like Anam Nazir, 14, who stopped three marriages in her community [in Sujawal Sindh],” said Saba. “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.”

The Unicef's ambassador in video call spoke about the harmful practice of child marriage, highlighting the impact of it on young girls’ future and calling for unified action to protect children.

“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,” said the national ambassador.

Pakistan has the sixth highest number of child brides globally — with an estimated 19 million girls married before the age of 18. Nearly half of them became pregnant before reaching legal age, posing serious health risks for both mother and child. Only 13% of married girls finished secondary school compared to 44% 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 welcomed the recent decision by the Islamabad Capital Territory to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 following Sindh province. It encouraged all remaining provinces and territories to seize the momentum and follow suit.

The campaign video was part of Unicef's broader advocacy work in collaboration with UNFPA, UN Women, and government partners.

These efforts included raising the legal age of marriage to 18 across all provinces; engaging communities through dialogue with parents, caregivers, religious leaders and communication campaigns like BOLO (speak up); and promoting girl-led activism and youth champions.

“Ms Qamar is a powerful advocate for children,” said Abdullah Fadil.

“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.”