April 06, 2008	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 28, 1429

MULTAN, April 5: A woman’s marrying after her free will remain unpardonable in some parts of the land even if she passes the age at which such acts are usually considered a blot on family’s ‘honour’.

The court of Melsi Justice of Peace Muhammad Afzal Zahid has been moved by 60-year-old Riaz Mai, a resident of Mauza Chattanian, who says she is being harassed by her relatives for remarrying without their consent.

Mai, in her petition, submitted she was married to Abdul Salam some 32 years back who died a year ago. After her husband’s death she tied the proverbial knot again with Allah Wasaya.

She submitted that she was living happily with her new husband, but two of her relatives -- Abdul Khaliq and Abdul Malik -- started harassing the newly-weds.

She complained the accused were also using the local police to spoil the matrimonial bliss she was basking under, requesting the court to protect her from harassment.

The court had sought a report in this connection from Sadar police on Saturday (April 5), but the police did not comply with the directions. The court on Saturday adjourned the hearing till April 9.

The police told Dawn they had called both parties and a report would be submitted to the court on the next hearing.