Social media storm surrounding missing girls' cases

Netizens criticise a system that cannot sufficiently protect children from predators

As the nation waited with bated breath for missing Karachi teenager, Dua Zehra, to be traced; news emerged that she was found married in Lahore. After this news circulated the tide of social sympathy turned to a mixture of scathing remarks about the girl's character and questioning a system that does a shoddy job of protecting children from predators.

Dua Zehra has reportedly married a man named Zaheer in Lahore. A marriage certificate stated that she was born in 2001 and was 18 years old. In conversation with the media, her father refuted claims of the confirmation of her whereabouts and stated that the information on the certificate was false. He empahsised that Dua is only 13 which makes her a minor. Dua went missing on April 16 after she had gone out to dispose garbage.

In conversation with the media, Dua Zehra's father refutes claims that his daughter's whereabouts have been confirmed. While discussing the nikkahnama (marriage certificate), he emphasised that information on the certificate was false.#etribune #news #DuaZehra pic.twitter.com/H3lmEIh9jH

— The Express Tribune (@etribune) April 25, 2022

A day after she went missing, news emerged of a second girl's disappearance. Nimra Kazmi; much like Dua Zehra was found married in DI Khan. Nimra released a video statement claiming that she had eloped of her own volition. Nimra is also underaged and therefore cannot consent to marriage.

Social media users lambasted the girls and made them the brunt of malicious jokes; while others criticised a system that cannot sufficiently protect children from predators.

Morning show host Sehar Shinwari expressed the tragic trajectory in which society is headed.

14 yrs old girl disappears from home & got married, 15 yrs old boy shoots down his family thinking it pubg game, a guy shoots himself for getting tiktok views indicates this society is moving into a very wrong direction which is needed to be rescued before its too late#DuaZehra

— Sehar Shinwari (@SeharShinwari) April 25, 2022

Journalist Abdul Qadir reminded malicious commenters that they should be mindful of sensitive issues and that it is a relief that the teenager is alive.

The highlight of the day is that Dua Zehra is safe. Before commenting about this sensitive issue, always remember that you all have daughters and sisters at home.#DuaZehra

— Abdul Qadir (@AbdulqadirARY) April 25, 2022

Social media user Zehra Kamal emphasised the fact that Dua is a minor and that power dynamics play a huge role in manipulating consent.

Adults often do not need to threaten children, they groom them to believe that the relationship is consensual, among equals and that it's love.. completely downplaying the age and power dynamics. Understand this before judging #DuaZehra or her family!

— Zehra Kamal Alam (@zehrakamal) April 25, 2022

Lawyer Jibran Nasir highlighted the serious nature of both cases and emphasised the gravity of the crime committed by all those involved in the marriage process.

If the girl in question is a minor & she has been subjected to Child Marriage then this may potentially also be a case of strict liability rape (if girl under 16) & sexual abuse (if under 18)- yes the PPC has contradictions - but in no event should media air any video msg of girl

— M. Jibran Nasir 🇵🇸 (@MJibranNasir) April 25, 2022

Social media user Saman Jafri shamed the mentality of a society where forced marriages of minors are commonplace.

In country where patriarchy & culture doesn’t let a 35yr old woman get married of her own free will, abductions and forced marriages of minors are a common crime, a 14 year old kid is being shamed and accused of getting married of her on free will. *slow clap* Pakistan #DuaZehra

— Saman Jafriسمن جعفری (@SsamanJay) April 25, 2022

Journalist Alia Zehra expressed that those who justify child marriages are potential predators.

Anyone who justifies a 14-year-old girl’s marriage knowing how easily predators are able to prey on girls in this country is a potential pedophile. #DuaZehra

— Ailia Zehra (@AiliaZehra) April 25, 2022

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's sister Bakhtawar Bhutto demanded the arrest of every adult involved.

This is not legal as she is underage (14) so obviously coerced and manipulated. There is zero consent at 14 and it is revolting to see so many people blame a child. The man should be charged with kidnapping & the maulvi should be arrested for signing off on child marriage. https://t.co/Vn8bVsVrPt

— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) April 25, 2022

Unfortunately, child marriages are still a major problem in Pakistan, while strict measures have been taken against perpetrators in recent years, more needs to be done to ensure that no child falls victim to predators.