CJP orders arrest of 70-year-old man for marrying minor in Balochistan

Minor's brother informed court 70-year-old had kidnapped him years ago as well

QUETTA: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday ordered the arrest of a 70-year-old man who forcibly married a minor in Balochistan.

A three-member bench, headed by the CJP, resumed the hearing of the case. The minor belongs to the Qila Abdullah district of the province and was coerced by Din Mohammad to marry him.



The minor's brother said in court that Din kidnapped had also kidnapped him earlier and consistently claims his sister had married him. At this, the bench expressed disappointment and questioned the police whether the suspect was in custody.

Police informed the court that four people had been arrested earlier for involvement in the case but managed to obtain bail and added that they are currently on the run.

The CJP ordered immediate arrest of the accused and adjourned the hearing till April 23.

Inspector-General (IG) Balochistan, Moazzam Jah Ansari, District Police Officer (DPO) Killa Abdullah, Asadullah Nasar and Deputy Commissioner of Killa Abdullah appeared in court during the hearing.

 

On Monday, the CJP summoned former chief ministers of Balochistan, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, to appear before the court and explain their role in the development and governance of the province.

Incumbent Chief Minister (CM) Abdul Quddus Bizenjo also appeared in court along with Health Minister Mir Majid Abro. Following the hearing, the two accompanied the chief justice during his visit to hospitals in the provincial capital.



The CJP further questioned the state of health and education facilities in Balochistan during the hearing of the doctors strike case at the Supreme Court’s Quetta registry. The hearing focused on the deteriorating condition of government hospitals and medical colleges in the province.