Haroon Siraj
Swat:- Police arrested a 70-year-old man, Hanifa, and Amin the father of the minor bride here on Monday in the Nagoha area of tehsil barikot. Hanifa, already a father of six daughters and a son, reportedly married the 14-year-old girl in a ceremony officiated by a marriage registrar.
A video statement emerged showing the distraught girl claiming she was at school when she learned of the marriage. Refusing to accept the agreement, she stated she would “never marry this old man at any cost.” However, her father, Amin, allegedly entered an agreement with Hanifa without her consent.
Pakistan International Human Rights (PIHR) Vice President Abbas Khan confirmed receiving information about the case on May 2nd. PIHR representatives visited the Ghalegay police station and the girl’s home to verify details and discuss the situation with the family. Khan revealed that while the girl’s mother also opposed the marriage, Amin signed a Nikkah agreement with Hanifa. According to the marriage certificate, Amin reportedly received a plot of land and 10 lakh rupees in exchange for his daughter’s hand.
Taking swift action, Police arrested the girl’s father Amin and Hanifa, and an FIR was registered under the section 498-B and 4/6 of Pakistan Penal Code for early child marriage act. DSP Sher Hassan stated an investigation is underway, with further arrests of those involved expected soon. The rescued girl was taken into protective custody and underwent medical evaluation at a local hospital.
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