Dua Zehra's father moves top court against SHC verdict

Sindh High Court earlier ruled that the teenager can decide on her own who she wanted to live with

The father of Dua Zehra, Karachi teenager who married on her free-will, has moved the top court against the verdict of Sindh High Court that allowed the girl to decide on her own whether she wanted to live with her husband or parents.

According to the petition filed on behalf of Mehdi Ali Kazmi, the high court's verdict was based on Zehra's statement and the medical report related to the case.

It further said that the medical report states the girl's age as 17, while it is 14 according to her educational documents and the record available with the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).

The plea added that police submitted the challan in the 'C' class in the trial court, adding that the SHC decision was flawed.

Also read: Dua Zehra can decide who she wants to live with, rules SHC

Kazmi also implored the apex court to hear the case on an urgent basis. The hearing of the case is expected to take place next week.

On June 7, the high court had issued a written order in the case, observing that there was no evidence to suggest that the girl had been abducted.

“I got married of my own free will. No one kidnapped me; I want to go with my husband Zaheer and do not wish to see my parents,” Zehra was quoted as saying in a recorded statement under oath before the SHC.

On the other hand, Kazmi maintains his stance that his daughter was abducted and forcibly married, and should be returned home.