AJK PM endorses ban on child marriages.

Byline: Altaf Hameed Rao

MIRPUR -- Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan Monday fully endorsed the proposed imposition of a ban on early-age marriages of children under 18 years of age in the State.

He, however, suggested consultation with the Islamic Ideological Council (IIC) of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to take the religious fraternity on board over the move. Raja Farooq Haider expressed these views while speaking at a seminar held in the State's metropolis Monday evening. The seminar was hosted by the AJK Population Welfare Department in collaboration with the support of UNFPA and the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination, Govt. of Pakistan.

The AJK PM described the rapid population growth as one of the core issues confronted by Pakistan and resolved to make AJK a region where universal access to family planning for married couples would be made available as part of state's obligation.

The AJK government will make all possible efforts to strengthen family planning facilities through functional integration with health department to secure better service delivery in reproductive healthcare', he resolved, adding that only a balanced family size can guarantee the secured future of their children with proper grooming and education and only a sensible approach can contribute for a healthy society and nation. He assured to provide all resources required to department for proper service delivery.

Addressing the seminar AJK Minister for Population Welfare Dr Mustafa Bashir Abbasi paid tribute to the AJK PM for his unwavering support to the department for the cause of population management leading to a healthy society. He highlighted the achievements of the department for improved reproductive healthcare service delivery in AJK.

He while referring to the recommendations of Federal Task Force and Council of Common Interests, assured to follow the spirit of action plan that has already been finalised in consultation with Technical Support Unit established for the purpose. He appreciated the role of UNFPA for renewing its activities in AJK region and look forward to work with high spirit for the cause in the region in collaboration with public and private sectors.

In his speech, AJK Population Welfare Secretary Raja Muhammad Razzaque while highlighting the international, national and regional population demographic and social indicators, presented eight core areas under CCI approved recommendations with...