Sindh to make counselling mandatory for couples before marriage

Sindh’s health and local government ministers unveiled a proposed Premarital and Marital Counselling Bill, describing it as a 'major social reform' designed to transform how couples prepare for marriage and family life. Speaking at a joint press conference along with Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said the move goes beyond medical guidance and aims to promote informed decision-making, gender awareness and healthier family structures. Dr Pechuho said the bill would make counselling mandatory before marriage registration, covering family planning, reproductive health, mental well-being and effective communication between partners. She stressed that birth spacing of 2–3 years is critical for reducing high-risk pregnancies and easing financial pressures on new families. “Many women resort to unsafe abortions simply due to a lack of awareness,” she said, adding that structured counselling could help reduce such cases and improve maternal health outcomes. Counselling sessions would also include guidance on newborn vaccination, breastfeeding rights, and access to primary healthcare services. The minister raised concerns over cousin marriages, which she said contribute to genetic disorders, including congenital heart conditions and Down syndrome. She also clarified a common misconception: “The gender of a child is determined by the man’s chromosome—women should not be blamed for the birth of a girl.” Warning against repeated C-sections, Dr Pechuho said the risks rise sharply after three surgeries, underscoring the need for public awareness. Pilot counselling programmes, she added, are already underway in Karachi South and Tando Allahyar, using newly developed training modules. Shah called the initiative an important step toward strengthening young families. He said the government is committed to laws that create long-term social impact and praised the media for helping build public awareness. He also expressed hope that Sukkur would be included in the next phase. While highlighting Sindh’s relatively empowered local government system, he acknowledged ongoing urban challenges, particularly Karachi’s chronic water issues. He said the chief minister, mayor and local bodies were working to improve essential services and overall living conditions.

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