Eloped Afghan couple: Alleged first husband requests DNA tests

Couple says they will not accept results if tests are conducted in Pakistan.

PESHAWAR: The alleged first husband of an Afghan woman, who eloped to Pakistan, has filed an application at the family court requesting that his DNA tests, as well as that of his alleged wife and children, be conducted.

In Tuesday’s hearing, the couple, Maryam and Haiwad, who allegedly contracted a second marriage in Abbottabad, was also present before  Family Court Judge Kiran Shaukat.

Abdul Rehman, another Afghan national, claims that he is Maryam’s husband since 2006 and had two children with her.

Abdul Rehman’s counsel, Ijaz Sabi, filed the application requesting for the DNA tests.

However, the couple expressed reservations over conducting the tests in Pakistan and said they would not accept the results if the tests are conducted here.

Sabi said that witnesses to the alleged marriage ceremony between Abdul Rehman and Maryam, which he claimed took place in 2006 in Afghanistan, have also been asked to appear before the family court.

Maryam also denied meeting her sister, present during the court proceedings as Maryam’s family members have also been putting all their efforts to bring back Maryam home.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19^th, 2012.