SHC declares Nimra adult

Allows her to meet her husband, family members

KARACHI:

Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday declared Nimra Kazmi an adult in view of a medical report.

Nimra, a resident of the Saudabad area of Karachi, went missing last month creating uproar in the media about girls being kidnapped in the city.

However, she uploaded a video on the social media stating that she was happily married to the man of her choice Najeeb Shahrukh in the Taunsa Sharif town of DG Khan district of Punjab.

SHC Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro stated in the written order that the medical report stated that Nimra was between 17 and 18 years of age. Court noted that Nimra says she got married willingly and that no one abducted her.

The court order said that Nimra could meet with her husband Shahrukh in the shelter home and would also be allowed to meet her parents and relatives.

The court summoned Nimra's mother, Nargis Nadeem Syed, to the rostrum. Nimra Kazmi's mother stated, "My daughter is young, and she is under pressure. NADRA official also declared her underage."

Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro remarked that NADRA officials are lying. The Sindh High Court declares Nimra Kazmi an adult. Justice Kalhoro stated that the trial court would give the final verdict.

"My son is three years younger than Nimra," said Shahrukh's mother. Justice Kalhoro remarked, "We have seen the medical report; Nimra is not underage." According to Farooq Advocate lawyer of Najeeb Shahrukh, "kidnapping FIR was dismissed in view of Nimra's statement."

The public prosecutor took the stand that Nimra could not be kept in a shelter. A dialogue took place between Nimra and the court during the hearing. Nimra stated, "I want my case settled today."

Justice Kalhoro inquired:  "Had you been kidnapped?"

"I went with my own free will", Nimra stated adding, "I travelled to Punjab by myself."

Justice Kalhoro remarked, "Children are raised with love, affection and care, but when they grow up, they have their rights."

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2022.