KARACHI:
Forced marriages are quite common in our country, especially in rural parts, where mostly women are compelled to get married against their will — in most cases with men far older than them. Many a girl comes under emotional pressure from the family to tie the knot — at times to men they have not even seen prior to the marriage. The menace of forced marriage has led to women committing suicide or rendered mentally upset. Many resort to leaving their homes without their parents knowing.
Our religion allows women to marry out of their own free will. But here the conservative mindset prevails rather than the teachings of Islam. Parents, not just in rural but urban areas also, consider it their right to marry off their daughters to the men they find fit. According to reports in the media, the cases of forced marriages in the country have exceeded 15 million, and mostly involved underage girls — 14 to 16 years old. Even though, forced marriage is outlawed in Pakistan, the practice continues unabated. I request the government to ensure implementation on the law so that this cruel practice is brought to an end in the country.
Zainab Islam
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2021.
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