Forced Marriages in Pakistan
When money rules poverty, it becomes the worst kind of punishment for people. We can see this in our own society, where parents give their daughter to a wealthy man, rich in money but poor in character, instead of a man who truly deserves her, who cares for her soul, and who respects her. Marriage is the name of mutual respect, yet many families unconsciously sell their souls in the name of Nikah.
In reality, marriages are often arranged by ignoring equality, and instead by focusing on how powerful or wealthy the man is. This practice has deep historical roots, stretching back to the 18th and 19th centuries when families sought wealthy suitors for their daughters. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice captured this reality, showing how girls were married off not for love or respect, but for money. Sadly, the same mindset persists today. Families force their daughters into marriages without considering their will or their future plans.
There are many cases where girls do not want to marry at all, or they want to pursue their own dreams, but they are forced into unions that take away their choice. This system is not very different from Europeans buying African slaves in history. Even today, in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and KPK, landlords and wealthy businessmen marry girls far younger than themselves, often 20 year olds to men in their 50s. Many such men marry multiple times, treating their wives as little more than unpaid servants.
One recent case reported in the news was of a young woman named Sidra. A 22 year old graduate in English Literature, she was married to a 33 year old wealthy landlord. The real issue was not their age difference but the way she was treated afterwards. Instead of being a wife, Sidra became unpaid labour for him and his family, serving eight sisters in law along with her husband. What was called a Nikah turned out to be nothing but free labour, not a mutual relationship.
When women trapped in such marriages reach out to their families for help, they are often pressured to stay because of what society will say. Families fear dishonour if a daughter leaves her husband, even if she is being mistreated. Yet Islam gives every person the right to end a marriage if they are not being treated fairly or if the relationship is harmful. Honour cannot be greater than justice, and on the Day of Judgment, parents will be held accountable before Allah Almighty for the marriages they forced upon their daughters. Parents must therefore choose noble and respectful men for their daughters, men who value them as individuals, not just men with money.
The government also has an important role in addressing this problem. A committee should be formed to deal with such cases and provide protection to vulnerable women. According to the Constitution of Pakistan, it is the state’s responsibility to safeguard citizens from exploitation. If a citizen attempts suicide due to such conditions, the government must accept responsibility, because it failed to provide them with security and dignity.
A special force should be established, similar to Rescue 1122 or Police 15, that people can immediately call in such emergencies. This force should intervene and ensure that rights are protected. Articles 9 and 35 of Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution clearly guarantee every citizen’s security, dignity, and the right to marry freely according to their will. It is therefore obligatory for the state to enforce these protections and ensure that citizens’ choices in marriage are respected.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance, policies, or official position of The Spine Times.
