IN the past, giving dowry was common among the aristocrats. They used to gift their daughters and sisters cash, lands and jewels along with other notable items. But the practice was soon adopted by the middle class and the poor strata too.

Dowry does not only burden the families financially, but also has an impact on the relationship of a married couple. There have been many instances on record where the brides’ families were put under severe stress to purchase a flat or a house and car for the grooms.

In fact, in some instances, failure in providing the dowry resulted in the wife getting physically assaulted by the husband and his family. While the government has introduced many laws to stop the dowry system, the people have not changed.

Even many educated men run after dowry, hoping to ‘secure a good deal’ for themselves. It is high time the government took strict action to discourage the practice of dowry.

Sawera Anwer

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2021