Abstract
Data collection techniques used by various organizations in Pakistan on the issue of child marriages have produced disparate figures. The article has examined the data collection methodologies, sampling representativeness and generalizations of the findings based upon such data for the year 2012 and afterwards. The analysis revealed that data compiled by the nongovernmental organizations indicate a rising trend in child marriages, quite contrary to the data shown in the three consecutive Pakistan Demographic Health Surveys (1990-91, 2006-07, 2012- 13), which showed a declining trend in the menace. Figures and percentages are drawn by the non-governmental organizations from non-representative samples, scant and skewed data, which depict a misleading picture of the phenomenon, hence the precise and accurate quantum of the issue, is hitherto unknown. This situation entails an inability for policy makers in conceiving a viable counter strategy.