Pakistan Child Wedding

The wedding of a 5-year old boy to a 7-year old girl in Karachi, Pakistan was halted on October 31, 2008, after police raided the ceremony. The marriage had reportedly been arranged to end a feud between the families of the bride and groom. Child marriage is against the law in Pakistan.BBC News: Pakistan 'child Wedding' Halted (October 31, 2008) The father of the groom and the officiant were arrested. They face a maximum penalty of one month in jail and a $10 fine.ABC: Police interrupt marriage of 5-year-old girl and 7-year-old boy (October 31, 2008)

Child marriage is any marriage of individuals younger than 18 years old. Child marriage tends to occur in areas of poverty and in third-world countries. Most child marriages occur in South Asia and Sub-saharan Aftica. Child marriage is especially dangerous for girls and women as they are at greater risk for sexually transmitted diseases and other health issues and have less access to health care.UNICEF: Child Marriage Fact Sheet Child marriage is against Muslim law except in some cases where the bride and groom have reached puberty.ABC: Police interrupt marriage of 5-year-old girl and 7-year-old boy (October 31, 2008)