KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed police to provide protection to a newly-married couple from Jacobabad, after the bride’s relatives allegedly torched multiple houses in the groom’s village last month in retaliation for their marriage of choice.

Hassan Buriro and Sidra Channa petitioned the SHC for protection, naming the home department, various police officials and private individuals as respondents.

A two-judge constitutional bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Saleem Jessar, ordered that the couple be granted protection for their lives, honour and property.

During the hearing, the couple’s counsel informed the court that the pair had married voluntarily and with mutual consent on May 5. Following the wedding, they began receiving threats from the female petitioner’s relatives, who disapproved of the union. The lawyer added that these relatives had also set fire to Siddique Arain village in Jacobabad on May 13.

The advocate argued that the government is legally bound to ensure the safety of all citizens without discrimination and requested that the couple be provided with legal protection.

Alongside the protection order, the SHC directed the police to submit an investigation report to the relevant court, taking into account the formal statement provided by the woman.

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

While the fire caused extensive damage to property and substantial financial losses for the residents, no casualties were reported.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has also taken notice of the incident. He has demanded a report on the arson attack and directed the relevant authorities to take strict action against those responsible.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2026