8-year-old boy marries 4-year-old girl

LAHORE: An eight-year-old boy was married to a four-year-old girl around three days ago in Nadrabad area, Bhatta Chowk, in North Cantonment police precincts. The groom Imran, son of Nazar Hussain, and bride Shazia, daughter of Manzoor, were married in Nadrabad II. The young bride, who is not even aware that she has been married, will be sent to Imran’s house at the age of 14 or 15. The two families are ‘Kaangar’ by cast and their tradition dates back over a hundred years. By profession the people of this community are mostly vendors, run donkey carts, make clay toys and are involved in other labour jobs. Imran belongs to a gypsy family that currently resides in Shadbagh and performs odd jobs. When Daily Times contacted the parents of the young couple at their house, they outright denied that the wedding occurred. However, one of their relatives confirmed the event. He said once the young couple had been married, they were bound to be life partners till their required age, which was 14 to 15 years. He said that a lot of times when children grew up they wanted to select partners of their own choice, but their parents forced them to abide by their customs and ultimately they surrendered to their elders’ will. He said it was up to the notables of the Kangar community to declare the event wrong. “I have two sons and am a firm believer that these young weddings should not be carried out. But at the same time I cannot scuffle over this issue with the whole community.” Muhammad Ali, Cantt superintendent police, said that legal action would be taken against the parents of the two children and the Nikah registrar if the underage marriage were proven. aayan ali

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