A nine year old girl, W*, was married to 35-year old Zahid Zardari on Thursday, after the groom reportedly paid Rs1.5 million to her family.
W* is a resident of the Kamal Lashari village. Her uncles reportedly requested Zardari to delay the Rukhsati due to Wadhai’s age but were ignored.
The police was informed about the issue but no action was taken due to the groom’s influential status.
When ASI Ghulam Akbar Khaskheli and SHO Fateh Muhammad Awan reached the wedding, they were confronted by Zardari’s men, forcing them to turn back.
Zardari, who lives in district Benazirabad, was accompanied by armed men and a Nikahkhwan (vows solemniser) for the ceremony.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2013.
COMMENTS (4)
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@Lauren: it was done 1400 years ago
Another child's innocence destroyed
Doubtful article. (again). Rs 1.5 mil is about $24,500 USD.
Way too high of a price for a child bride. Perhaps there is a back deal where the money is for something else in addition to the girl?
Really. As there are millions of poor girls, it is a 'buyer's market (no joke intended).
I am an RN and work with the poor in the Philippines. No matter what country or culture, girls simply do not bring such high prices. I have been offered children for free, with the parents assuming that because I am an American I will provide well for the kids. I have never tried to 'buy' a kid, but I am positive, based on the information I have seen and heard, that the 'real' prices are less than $500 and very often much much less.
I am not doubting the child bride aspect of the article, just the price paid but the 'groom'. For these dirt poor and often starving families... the best offer is the winning offer and that is. again, no where near $20,000+++ USD!
it is deplorable how the future of the world is being trafficked. both the parents[even though i know that often they sell their children for financial reasons]need to be held responsible with the people that buy the children. parents have to made ware that this is not acceptable and the religious leaders have to make a stand. these are the future perhaps leaders, inventors, doctors nurses etc.they have to be given atleast a chance to survive childhood.