Outdated customs: Minor girl given into vani

DI KHAN: A six-year-old girl has been forced to marry a 22-year-old man in Galloti village of DI Khan after a jirga decided to give her away as vani to settle a family dispute. According to an official of the Yarrak police station, in September 17-year-old Nabila eloped with Akramullah and got married. However, this caused a dispute between both families. A few days ago, Nabila’s father Falak Naz and husband Akramullah sought the help of a local jirga he added. “The elders decided that Akramullah’s niece, Samina*, 6, will be married to Falak Naz’s 22-year-old son,” said the policeman. He added the nikah was performed by Maulana Yaqoob of Jamia Arabia Sabarai. The police learnt of the incident and made sure Samina went back to her family’s house, the policeman added.

*Name has been changed to protect identity

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2014.