SWAT: The police on Monday detained several individuals for their alleged involvement in solemnising marriage of a teenage girl to a 70-year-old man.

Among those apprehended were the Nikah Khawan, the girl’s father, and witnesses to the ceremony. Initial reports from Ghaliegey police had stated that the bride was a 13-year-old girl, who had recently promoted from fifth to sixth grade.

Local sources disclosed that a substantial amount of Rs1 million had reportedly changed hands between the girl’s father and the elderly groom as part of the marriage agreement.

SHO Ghaligey police station Roshan Ali said the arrests were made following the girl’s medical examination at a local hospital, which confirmed her age to be 13 years.

Before the arrests, a viral video circulated on social media showing the girl being questioned about her marriage. In the video, she recounted how her father informed her about the marriage upon her return from school.

However, when asked about her understanding of marriage, she expressed ignorance about its meaning.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2024