OKARA: Parents of a minor girl and boy were booked on Monday along with seven others who allegedly arranged their nikah at 53/2L village around a month ago.

As per the first information report (FIR), Sadar police received information that Noor Ahamad, a resident of 53/2L village, and Manzoor of Samadpura locality of the city arranged nikah of their minor children -- Ayesha Noor (9) and Ramzan (16) -- on 31st of July, 2021 at the village.

The police learnt that others, including Shukat,Riaz, Faryad, Samina (wife of Manzoor), Sakina (wife of Noor Ahmad), were also involved in arranging the nikah ceremony of the minors.

After confirming that Rukhsati of the minor “bride” was underway at 53/2L village, a police team conducted a raid and arrested the parents of the minors, while the others managed to escape.

The police also took in custody the the birth certificates of the both minors, the marriage certificate and a picture of the event. On the report of ASI Ashfaq Ahmad, a case was registered against the suspects under sections 498-B of the PPC and 3, 4, 5 and 6 of The Child Marriage Restraint Act-1929.

‘SUICIDE’: A 17-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison at Mouza Akbar village, some 20km from here on Monday.

Police said Sonia, daughter of Muhammad Khan, allegedly took the extreme step after a quarrel with her parents. Police were investigating into the matter.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2021