An easy pass?: Bedridden woman declared ‘kari’ by husband

Woman's mother says he wants to get rid of ailing wife instead of getting her treated

SUKKUR: A bedridden woman, who is a chronic patient of diabetes and hepatitis, was declared 'kari' by her husband in Mavali Shar village within the limits of the Khanpur Mahar police in Ghotki district.

The woman's life is in danger and the police are not willing to take any measures to save her. Sultan Shar's wife, Salah Khatoon, is a chronic patient of diabetes and hepatitis. The mother of the woman, Mai Darya Khatoon, claimed that Sultan wanted to get rid of his ailing wife. According to her, he declared her 'kari' with her brother-in-law [sister's husband], Muhammad Hassan Shar, so that he can get rid of her and does not have to take her to the hospital for treatment. "My daughter is bedridden due to the apathy of her husband, who wants to kill her," alleged Mai Darya, adding that the police are not willing to take any measures to protect the life of Salah.



Another source in the area also claimed that Sultan declared his wife 'kari' as he does not want to spend on her treatment and wants to get rid of her.

He further said that it has become common practice in some areas that people kill their wives over the pretext of karo-kari and then demand compensation from the accused party. According to him, Sultan has blamed Muhammad Hassan for having an affair with his wife and wants to 'kill two birds with one stone'.

Speaking about Salah Khatoon, the man said, "She is a nice lady and has been bedridden for the last two years. Labelling her kari is highly condemnable."

A Khanpur Mahar-based reporter said that Salah's mother and relatives staged a protest on Monday outside the press club. He said that the protesters demanded the police to provide protection to Salah.

According to him, the protesters said that the Khanpur Mahar police are not willing to take any action and have said that an FIR will be registered once they filed a petition in the court.

"We will go to the court to save Salah Khatoon's life," the reporter quoted them as saying. Meanwhile, Khanpur Mahar SHO Zulfiqar Mahar was not available for comment.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2015.