Settling a fine: CJP takes suo motu notice of Jirga’s decree

Jirga sanctions betrothal of 3-year-old girl

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar has taken notice of a tribal Jirga verdict recommending that the three-year-old daughter of a man be promised in marriage in case he failed to pay off a Rs300,000 fine.

The CJP took notice on an application filed by Ali Hasan, a resident of Ghotki district in Sindh to the Human Rights Cell of the Supreme Court.

According to a statement issued by the Supreme Court, Hasan alleged that a few influential people of the Mazari tribe held a Jirga and decided that if he failed to settle a fine of Rs300,000 his 3-year-old daughter is to be given in (promise of) marriage.

Hasan appealed for protection of his daughter and has asked for legal action to be taken against the Jirga. Tthe chief justice has ordered SSP Ghotki to submit a report within 48 hours.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2017.