BAHAWALPUR: An 11-year-old girl in Ahmedpur East has been allegedly declared vani and married off to a teenager.

Saira had contracted court marriage with Nadeem a few months ago. In return, her father Shabbir had demanded that Nadeem’s 11-year-old sister, also named Saira, be married to his teenage son Salman. Nadeem’s family had allegedly agreed and the nikah of Saira and Salman was conducted, while their reception was scheduled for March 21.

Police claimed girl’s uncle Abdul Majid had reported the matter to Ahmedpur East assistant superintendent of police on March 6. In his complaint, Majid had stated that Shabbir demanded Saira’s hand in marriage for Salman following orders of a panchayat. The same day, the ASP forwarded the matter to Ahmedpur East SHO Mahar Mumtaz for an inquiry and legal action.

The SHO denied the nikah of Saira and Salman took place, and added they were only engaged. He claimed that both families had submitted affidavits stating that the event took place with their consent and Nadeem’s father did not submit any complaint regarding the marriage of his underage daughter.

He said Salman was 15-year old and that a reception (rukhsati) had been scheduled for March 21.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2017