News Desk:
Manchester, UK – 16 May 2026
A conference organised by the Overseas Pakistani Clergy – Manchester brought together religious leaders, human rights advocates, and community representatives to promote consent-based marriages and raise awareness about the harms of underage marriage.
The event, titled “Healthy Marriage, Healthy Nation,” was held on 16 May at the Church of the Ascension in Salford, United Kingdom.
Participants emphasized that marriage should only take place with the free and mutual consent of both individuals and called for stronger efforts to protect children from forced and underage marriages.
In a special message shared at the conference, David Walker stressed the importance of protecting children, strengthening families, and promoting dignity and justice within society.
Fr Falak Sher introduced the campaign “Healthy Marriage – Healthy Nation” and said that healthy families are built on mutual respect, consent, maturity, and equal rights. He noted that awareness and community engagement are necessary to address the issue of child marriage.
Several speakers discussed different dimensions of the issue during the conference. Revd Fayaz Adman spoke about the spiritual and social importance of peaceful family life, while Mr Asif Mall expressed support for safeguarding vulnerable children and increasing public awareness. Mr Aftab Alexander highlighted the rights of minors in Pakistan and called for stronger implementation of child protection laws.
Mr Maqbool Malik discussed legislation related to the minimum age of marriage in Pakistan and urged authorities to ensure effective enforcement. Revd Nathan Bhatti addressed the social, educational, and health impacts of underage marriage, particularly on girls. Mr Mahboob Alahi Butt emphasized the role of the media in advocating for minorities and exposing human rights violations affecting vulnerable communities.
Throughout the event, speakers called for stricter legal action and reforms to eliminate underage marriage and strengthen protections for children and young girls. Participants also stressed the importance of education, safety, and equal opportunities for girls as essential elements of building stronger families and healthier societies.
The conference concluded with a collective appeal for continued dialogue, awareness campaigns, and cooperation among communities, policymakers, and civil society organizations to promote consent-based marriages and protect children’s rights.
The event was organised by the Overseas Pakistani Clergy – Manchester and held at the Church of the Ascension, Salford.