SAHIWAL, Jan 28: The whereabouts of a love-marriage couple and their two relatives could not be ascertained on Monday, who were allegedly picked up by Noor Shah police on Saturday.

Nadia married Shahadat against the will of her parents on Jan 15. The relatives of Shahadat allege police picked up the couple and two other relatives of Shahadat but did not keep them in lock up.

“Sub-Inspector Rana Shabbir called Shahadat’s parents to his office and warned them to ask Shahadat to divorce to Nadia,” said Khadim Hussain, Shahadat’s family member.

Dawn learnt many candidates for elections are also exploiting the situation to win votes. Nadia is from Chunyas Jat, a dominant clan in the area while the groom is Madhar, a less influential clan. Hina Jillani, rights activist, reportedly talked to the Punjab inspector general and the Sahiwal district police officer over the issue. The DPO assured her that the girl would be released.

“Yes, the officials assured me about the safety of the girl. If she is not released, I will visit Sahiwal to support her and her family,” Ms Jilani told Dawn.

Shafiq Butt