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Published Sep 2026

Costing Study on Child Marriage in Pakistan

This study examines the social and economic costs of child marriage in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Based on research in 10 districts, it investigates how child marriage affects girls’ education, health, employment and labour-force participation, fertility, child mortality, decision-making, and exposure to domestic violence. The report shows that child marriage creates significant private and public economic costs, contributes to poverty and inequality, and reduces women’s opportunities for education and economic participation. It aims to provide evidence for policy reform and stronger measures to prevent and eliminate child marriage in Pakistan.

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Executive Summary

This study examines the social and economic costs of child marriage in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Based on research in 10 districts, it investigates how child marriage affects girls’ education, health, employment and labour-force participation, fertility, child mortality, decision-making, and exposure to domestic violence. The report shows that child marriage creates significant private and public economic costs, contributes to poverty and inequality, and reduces women’s opportunities for education and economic participation. It aims to provide evidence for policy reform and stronger measures to prevent and eliminate child marriage in Pakistan.

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