LARKANA: Speakers at a consultative meeting of lawyers held under the umbrella of Pirbhat Women Development Society, Oxfam and Aahang, highlighted how despite the legislation to ban under-age marriages, it was still in practice in Sindh. Lawyers hailing from Larkana and Dokri participated in the meeting. Rubina Chandio said lawyers could play a key role in discouraging the trend of under-age marriages and should also strive for equality and fight gender discrimination.

Considering lawyers as proud advocates for human rights, she spoke about the ‘worst’ kind of torture meted out in the shape of under-age marriages inflicted on young girls. Lawyers can play a potential role in extending legal advice to victims, she added. Ms Chandio spoke about how NGOs were contributing towards discouraging this practice by creating awareness among the masses and holding continuous consultations with its stakeholders.

Syed Amir Azam, columnist Abdul Sattar Hulio, advocate Allah Dino Gadhi, Ms Shanul Khoso, Murad Pandrani and others also spoke.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2015

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