In Pakistan, marriage – once a joyous occasion – is increasingly becoming an unattainable dream for many young men and women. With gold prices reaching historic highs and financial instability gripping the nation, marriage has become unaffordable for a large portion of the youth, pushing many to delay one of the most important milestones of their lives. As the cost of weddings, especially the dowry and gold, continues to rise, young people in both urban and rural areas are finding it harder to meet the expectations tied to marriage.
Gold has long been considered a store of value in Pakistan, where it plays a central role in wedding traditions. Not only is it used as a form of gift-giving, but it also forms a significant part of the dowry. Over the years, gold has become a key marker of social status in weddings, and the rising cost of gold has made this symbol of wealth increasingly inaccessible. In 2025, gold prices in Pakistan reached an all-time high, with 24-karat gold touching Rs 486,000 per tola. This price surge was driven by a combination of global geopolitical tensions, inflation, and shifting interest rates, which made gold a preferred asset for investment and savings. In early 2026, gold prices fell slightly, but the damage had already been done. The fluctuations in gold prices made it difficult for families to plan and afford weddings. Even with the recent dip in prices, the cost of gold remained much higher than in previous years, contributing to a growing barrier for many young people seeking to marry. For many, the price of gold – along with the rising costs of dowries, venues, and other wedding expenses – has created an overwhelming financial burden, delaying marriage, sometimes until later in life.
The cost of gold, alongside economic instability, has made delayed marriages even more common in rural communities.
A 2020 Gallup Pakistan survey revealed that 23% of adults remain unmarried, and this percentage is rising year by year. The growing financial strain, including rising gold prices, has made it increasingly difficult for many to marry at the expected age.
In urban areas like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, many in their late 20s and early 30s remain unmarried because they cannot afford the rising costs of gold and dowries. The Punjab Women’s Development Department recently reported that over 50% of women over 30 are still unmarried due to the high financial costs associated with marriage. In rural areas, where income levels are lower, the situation is even more dire. Families in these areas are finding it increasingly difficult to meet the dowry expectations, which include a significant amount of gold.
Men, too, are significantly affected by the rising costs of marriage. With wedding costs soaring, especially the price of gold, many young men are forced to delay marriage until they have the financial means to cover the costs. This delay is becoming increasingly common, particularly in urban centres like Lahore, where wedding expenses can run into the millions of rupees. As young men and women face this financial squeeze, many are postponing marriage until they can meet the rising expectations.
The issue of delayed marriages is not the same across all provinces in Pakistan. In Punjab, the most populous province, the marriage age for both men and women has risen steadily due to the rising costs of weddings. The high demand for gold as part of the dowry in cities like Lahore has made it difficult for many families to afford weddings, causing delays in marriage for both men and women. Similarly, in Sindh, especially in Karachi, rising gold prices have made it increasingly difficult for families to afford traditional wedding expenses, further delaying marriages.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), gold remains a significant part of the dowry system, and the rising price of gold has made marriage unaffordable for many. In more rural areas like Lower Dir, the community has even placed limits on dowry amounts to make marriages more affordable. This reflects the growing concern about the rising costs of gold and their impact on young people’s ability to marry. In Balochistan, the financial challenges are compounded by cultural expectations, making it even harder for young people to marry. The cost of gold, alongside economic instability, has made delayed marriages even more common in rural communities.
The gap between urban and rural marriage delays is widening. Urban youth, particularly those with higher education, often delay marriage to focus on their careers or personal development. However, they are still affected by rising wedding costs, particularly gold prices. In contrast, rural youth are more likely to delay marriage due to financial constraints, including lower incomes and limited job opportunities. As gold prices continue to rise, young people in both urban and rural areas are waiting longer to marry.
The rising price of gold is not just an economic issue – it is also a social one. In Pakistan, gold is seen as an essential part of marriage, and the increasing cost of gold has put marriage out of reach for many young people. The financial burden of providing a large dowry, which often includes significant amounts of gold, has created a vicious cycle of delayed marriages. The growing demand for gold in the dowry system has made it increasingly difficult for families to afford weddings, leaving many young people waiting until they can meet these financial expectations.
The consequences of delayed marriages are far-reaching.
The writer is an independent researcher and can be reached at [email protected]