DC stops underage girl’s marriage with DEO’s son
CHITRAL: Upper Chitral deputy commissioner Mohammad Ali foiled an attempt of marrying an underage girl to a boy from Nowshera in Torkhow tehsil on Friday.
A local resident told this correspondent on phone that the prospective bridegroom was the son of Zulfiqarul Mulk, the Upper Chitral district education officer (male). He claimed the officer had arranged the marriage.
He said the DC took prompt action on the complaint of the bride about being underage for marriage. He said Mr Ali summoned the girl’s father, who confirmed she was underage for marriage.
The resident said the process of the girl’s marriage was stopped when the DC warned that he would arrest him, (the girl’s father), the Nikah Khawan and the witness under the Child Marriage Restraint Act if the wedding went ahead.
The local said all arrangements for departure (rukhsati) of the bride had been completed and the bridegroom had also reached the main Booni town, a day earlier along with his family.
When contacted, Mr Ali confirmed the underage girl was being married to a boy from Nowshera who was also underage.–Dawn
This ugly and undesireable tradition is an old social phenomenon carried on through ages by the people of Chitral which needs to be stamped out from our culture. DC’s action is appreciated. Hopefully, it will act as a deterrent against the evil practice of child marriage.
What a pertinent decision.