SHEIKHUPURA - The maternal mortality ratio in district Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib districts is higher as a compared to other district of Punjab. This ratio can be arrested if the minimum marriage age limit not below 18 years is followed.
It was crux of the speeches made at a workshop organised by a non-governmental organization (NGO) Shirkat Gah in collaboration with Umeed Foundation Chairperson Benash Qamar Dar here the other day.
Shirkat Gah Manager Research Naureen Tawakal, Coordinator Sajida Perveen, Ahmad Raza Khan, local Focal Person Shafiq Tahir, media representatives and a large number of local political and social personalities participated in the workshop. Speaking on the occasion, the Manager Research said that maternal mortality ratio can be control through raising awareness among the women, especially in rural areas where it was higher than the cities. She pointed out that similar to the age limit for getting NIC which 18 year the government should draft a law to fix the marriage age not less than 18 years, adding that this law would help control the maternal death ratio.
On the occasion, Umeed Foundation chairperson Benash said that early age marriages caused maternal death.

 It is necessary to educate parents and raise awareness about the complications of early age marriages to control morality ratio,” she stressed.
The Shirkat Gah Manager Research also appreciated the role of Benash Qamar Dar for reproductive health and rights of women in the district.