MANSEHRA: The police have sought public’s help in tracing Dua Zahra and her husband as the couple, who had married of their own free will in Lahore after escaping from Karachi, went into hiding to evade arrest.

A press release issued by the district police on Saturday and also put on social media along with the pictures of Dua Zahra and her husband, Zaheer Ahmad, said the couple was wanted by the police to be produced before the Lahore High Court or any other such legal entity in the country.

“Dua Zahra and Zaheer Ahmad had married off in the court after the latter declared the girl as mature enough to tie the knot. However, her father countered her puberty claim,” the press release said.

It further said the police wanted to produce Zahra before the court to determine her age. “If you have seen this couple or know about their whereabouts please contact the police immediately,” the release said.

The couple was assured that they won’t be arrested, and Ms Zahra only needed to be produced in court to determine her age.

Mansehra police had also arrested a senior lawyer, Munir Hussain Lughmani, the other day for allegedly sheltering the couple, which the latter denied. Later, the district and sessions judge had set him free on bail till June 12, asking him to appear in the court concerned in Karachi on June 13.

Sources in the police said the couple was likely hiding in Mansehra as Mohammad Waseem, the duo’s counsel, belonged to Balakot, and the last telephone data obtained by investigators, revealed their presence somewhere near Balakot on the boundary with Muzaffarabad (AJK).

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2022