The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday ordered police to provide protection to a newlywed couple from Jacobabad whose relatives allegedly torched multiple houses in the groom’s village last month in retaliation for their marriage of choice.

Hearing an application seeking protection for the couple — Hassan Buriro and Sidra Channa — Justice Saleem Jessar issued a written order stipulating that the couple be given protection, directing that the couple’s “life, honour and property” be ensured.

The IO also recorded the woman’s statement within the court premises.

During the hearing, the couple’s legal counsel informed the court that the two had married without any pressure and with consent on May 5.

He added that the couple was receiving threats from their relatives who did not approve of the marriage. The counsel added that the relatives set fire to Jacobabad’s Siddique Arain village on May 13.

The state counsel stated that the government was bound to ensure the safety of all citizens without discrimination and that the couple is given protection as per the law.

The SHC also ordered the IO to submit the case challan to the relevant court as per standard procedure.

In May, amid heightened tensions between the families of the bride and groom, a large number of armed men from the bride’s side stormed Siddique Arain village, allegedly resorting to heavy aerial firing to spread fear and panic among residents and torching more than 100 homes belonging to the groom’s relatives, sources said.

The fire caused extensive damage to the houses and substantial losses to residents, but no casualties were reported, according to sources.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also took notice of the incident, sought a report on the torching of houses in the village and directed the authorities concerned to take action against those responsible.

The chief minister was quoted as saying that no one could be allowed to harm people’s lives and property. “Torching more than 100 homes is an inhuman and intolerable act,” he said.