Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri Highlights Challenges Facing Balochistan’s Girls: “They Are Either Bearing Children or Carrying Guns”

Islamabad: During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Health, Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri drew attention to the dire situation of girls in Balochistan, stating that they are either giving birth at a young age or taking up arms. The committee, chaired by Senator Amir Wali-ud-Din Chishti, was discussing the National Population and Reproductive Health Bill 2026.

Senator Zehri emphasized that population growth is a major issue requiring clear policies. She noted that a task force formed in 2021 has yet to take any significant action.

Committee member Robina Khalid highlighted the ongoing rise in population and pointed out that girls are being exploited in terrorism and that there is a cultural preference for boys over girls.

“The girls of Balochistan are either having children or holding guns,” Zehri remarked, stressing the urgency of the issue.

Robina Khalid added that birth control remains a taboo topic in Pakistan, and more open discussions are needed. Zehri suggested consulting widely on the bill before presenting it to the assembly to avoid objections.

The committee chairman called for an open debate on the bill, noting that the current job market cannot accommodate the growing number of children. Zehri also shared an anecdote where a cleric expressed intent to marry a 16-year-old girl, prompting a light-hearted response from the chairman.

The meeting concluded with a decision to hold a joint session with members of all political parties and the Islamic Ideology Council to address population control. Additionally, a joint meeting of the Health and Human Rights Committees was planned.

Robina Khalid highlighted that children are being born with physical and mental stunting, to which the DG Health responded that federal and provincial task forces are actively working on the issue.