ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah on Wednesday directed the inspector general of Islamabad police to consider the application seeking protection of a woman fearing retaliation from her relatives over marriage of her choice.

Justice Minallah also sought a reply from the Sabzimandi SHO on the petition by Aug 20.

The woman a resident of a slum area of Sector I-10 has approached the IHC seeking state protection.

The petitioner contended that she willingly wedded to a man but her relatives and Panchayat not only disapproved of the marriage but also threatened her of dire consequences.

According to her, the police in connivance with her relatives are also forcing her to quit the marriage and return to her home.

She requested the court to direct the authorities to provide protection to her as well as her husband.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2020