© Tahirih Justice Center, 2020 | Privacy Policy, Understanding Arranged and Forced Marriage, please contact the Forced Marriage Initiative, The Tahirih Justice Center Forced Marriage Initiative. In rural Pakistan, where poverty is rife, forced marriage of young girls still continues. Unfortunately, the laws are only enacted, but no one is willing to act upon these laws which can protect women and young girls. They believe that the parents have a right to decide the marriages of their child. A series of laws which pertain to the principal religious communities in the Pakistan govern marriage in county,3 with the Muslim Family Law Ordinance regulating the majority Muslim population. This source is meant to focus on the different types of forced marriages. Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (PCBC) also discussed Arzoo’s case at its biannual meeting in Lahore on Nov. 5-6. "My mum had no idea what the reason was and seemed annoyed but agreed. Arzoo Raja was snatched from her family home by her abductor, 44, who produced a … The conversion document Raja signed also opens a loophole in the child marriage case, he said. Christian Teen Shares Survivor’s Testimony of Abduction and Forced Marriage in Pakistan By ICC’s Pakistan Correspondent 11/17/2020 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – In October, a 13-year-old Christian girl named Arzoo Raja was abducted as she played outside of her family’s home in Karachi, Pakistan. There is currently no law prohibiting domestic violence in Pakistan.14 Honor related violence is not uncommon, with several thousand honor killings in Pakistan in the past decade and hundreds reported in 2013.15 Women may be reluctant to report forced marriage situations and other threats of violence (or press charges) due to fear of dishonoring the family and violent reprisals.16. Women and girls in Pakistan have certain legal rights when entering into or attempting to dissolve a marriage, but deference to traditional practices and poor response by law enforcement create serious hurdles for those trying to stop or leave a forced marriage. This can be done by improving the laws in Pakistan relating to marital coercion, which is expressly banned by Islam. Girl, 13, rescued from 'forced marriage' in Pakistan. ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. Although the government recently strengthened laws addressing violence against women, incidents of forced marriage, honor crimes, and domestic violence are still widespread. The two girls, 13-year-old Raveena and 15-year-old Reena, were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district on the eve of Holi. According to the Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act, 2013, marriage of any child under the age of eighteen is a criminal offence. The Muslim community has many reservations on the campaign of forced marriages. A forced marriage is where one or both people do not (or in cases of people with learning disabilities or reduced capacity, cannot) consent to the marriage as they are pressurised, or abuse is used, to force them to do so. The age of consent for marriage of both men and women under this Ordinance and Muslim Personal Law (Sharia’h) is when an individual reaches puberty.4, While the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 attempted to set an age of marriage at 18 for males and 16 for females, with punishments for guardians and those solemnizing underage marriages, the penalties are too low to have much deterrent effect.5 Tribal customs play an important role in many communities, and marriage laws may be interpreted and enforced through tribal elders and jirgas (councils of elders).6 Generally, there is no strict enforcement of minimum marriage age laws and there is limited remedies for victims if they are violated.7, Divorce in Pakistan is more difficult for women to initiate and obtain than for men,8 and – in certain regions of Northern Pakistan – it may be nearly impossible for a woman to dissolve her marriage without her husband’s and family’s consent. I was trapped. The new legislation will help the Muslim community living in UK, particularly Pakistanis who make up the majority of the Muslim community. October 28, 2020 at 12:00 am. This legislative move however can no longer be effective without parallel legislation in Pakistan. Knowing the culture of the West, parents should regularly discuss these issues confidently with their children so they can understand each other’s point of views, feelings and fears. Muslim boy to 13 1/2 years Christian girl forced marriage & threatening. Both countries’ domestic laws should prohibit forced marriage and treat the practice as a criminal offence. "My friend, Izzy, called the Forced Marriage Unit's helpline and they got in touch with the British High Commission in Pakistan. 11 Free & Fair Election Network, Increase in Cases of Forced Marriages: A Report Based on Monitoring of 84 DPO Offices Across Pakistan (Mar. 18 Akbar Nasir Khan, Country Report – Pakistan, United Nations Asia and Far East Institute (2005), available at http://www.unafei.or.jp/english/pdf/RS_No69/No69_16PA_Khan.pdf; Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Pakistan: Domestic violence, including the effectiveness of the Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006; state protection and services available to victims (2013), available at http://www.justice.gov/eoir/vll/country/canada_coi/pakistan/PAK104261.E.pdf. The Muslim families settle in the UK temporarily for economic and livelihood purposes, but their children grow up with a different mind-set. ensure that forced conversions do not occur in the context of marriage or marriage negotiations.’6 However, as this report shows, Pakistan is failing to fulfil their obligations under these international treaties to protect the rights of vulnerable minorities from forced conversions and forced marriages. According to the British government, forced marriage is defined as one in which either one or both parties are forced to marry after being subjected to physical or mental torture or being victims to financial threats. In some cases, the husband is much older than his bride, and when she becomes a widow, she is discriminated and excluded by society. Therefore a civil contract without free will is void and revocable under law. The parents, particularly those in the Muslim community residing abroad should review their approach. OF LAW & GENDER 553, 558 (2011). Balagamwala is keen to not deny the experience of women who are subjected to forced marriage. The British Interior Ministry and foreign office formed a Forced Marriage Unit. … Everywhere in the world, marriage without consent or against the consent of the boy or girl is illegal. 4 Muslim Family Laws Ordinance of 1961, Section 2. The public servants can become an interface in forced marriages and play an instrumental role in ensuring that girls are not under- age and they are being contracted in marriages out of their own free will. Forced marriage is prevalent in Madagascar. Laws protecting women and girls are poorly enforced and disregarded in certain regions, and it can be difficult for women to access help and resources in country. After forced marriage, conversion, 13-year-old teen handed over to 'husband' by Sindh court in Pakistan The Sindh High Court in Pakistan has given the custody of Arzoo Raja, a 13-year-old Christian girl who was abducted, forcibly converted and married to her 'husband'. Ph: +92 51 2287273 Islamabad, Ph: +92 21 35381208-9 Karachi 6 Mehreen Zahra-Malik, Child Brides Blot Tribal Pakistan: Practice of Gifting Girls in Marriage to Settle Tribal Disputes Haunts Areas with Limited Government Oversight (Oct. 24, 2012), available at http://www.wluml.org/news/child-brides-blot-tribal-pakistan (last visited March 3, 2014); Shirkat Gah Women’s Resource Centre, Submission on child, early and forced marriage (2013), available at http://www.wluml.org/resource/child-early-and-forced-marriage-pakistan-submission-ohchr. This may pave the way to a mutual decision between the parents and children, who can make up their mind together while settling what issues, may arise, thereby avoiding commitments with others. As a cultural norm, they accept that under the prevailing circumstance in EU, UK and other foreign countries, the concept of a love marriage of their daughters with a stranger or non-Muslim is an intolerable notion. 17 Human Rights Watch, Crime or Custom? She says she's aware that happens a lot in Pakistan and India and that it … To effectively control this menace at the state level, Pakistan and UK both under treaty series should sign an agreement on Forced marriage. Bibi is not alone. Tags: Maira Shahbaz, Pakistan, Forced Marriage, ACN, Aid to the Church in Need, Red Wednesday #RedWednesday. Violence Against Women in Pakistan (1999), available at http://lib.ohchr.org/HRBodies/UPR/Documents/Session2/PK/HRW_PAK_UPR_S2_2008anx_CrimeorCustom_ViolenceAgainstWomeninPakistan.pdf (last visited Jan. 21, 2014). We Need Your Support. By Matias Perttula. Ph: +92 42 36375963-5 Fax: 042-36298302 Email: [email protected], categoryTermID13----CategoryParentID4------, PCAA submits response in Havelian plane crash case, Serene Air secures permission to begin international operations, French President Macron tests positive for Covid-19, Games without frontiers: Indians, Pakistanis team up for eSports, NAB directed to complete probe against Chaudhry brothers in four weeks, SHC rejects bail request of former minister in NAB cases, Qureshi arrives in Dubai on two-day visit, WHO Covid-19 vaccine scheme risks failure, leaving Pakistan in the lurch, KP police arrest PTM leader at Sindh’s request, Saudis pushing for Gulf dispute breakthrough at summit: sources, Chinese capsule returns to Earth carrying moon rocks, Flattening curve wasn’t enough for New Zealand. Please God say ! 9 Jocelyn Richard, Women in Northern Pakistan – Protected by Tribe, Territory or Taliban, 3 UCL HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW 236, 252 (2010). By Zofeen T. Ebrahim During its Voluntary National Review at the 2019 High Level Political Forum, ... UNFPA, Child marriage in Pakistan, a Taboo, 2007, [unpublished] These incidents mostly take place due to parental influence and fiat. However, under a new bill passed in Pakistani Senate, the minimum age of marriage for female was increased to 18. A series of laws which pertain to the principal religious communities in the Pakistan govern marriage in county,3 with the Muslim Family Law Ordinance regulating the majority Muslim population. 5 Pakistan Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, Sections 2, 4, and 5; Shirkat Gah Women’s Resource Centre, Submission on child, early and forced marriage (2013), available at http://www.wluml.org/resource/child-early-and-forced-marriage-pakistan-submission-ohchr. 10 Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860), Sections 365B and 368. The procedure should follow a prescribed form to be filed while providing an undertaking that the marriage is being solemnized with the free will of the both the parties. In Islamic law, a marriage can happen any time after a girl's first period, Stark said. In these areas, women that request a divorce risk being ostracized from their communities and becoming victims of potential honor violence.9, Although abduction of an individual for the purpose of forced marriage is a criminal offense in Pakistan,10 it is one of, if not the most, widespread reported crime against women in the country.11 Pakistan has also passed laws to try and prevent “bride burning” and dowry related violence (often initiated when a bride’s in-laws decide her dowry is insufficient)12 as well as acid attacks, which have recently increased in frequency and may occur when a women has refused or attempted to leave a marriage.13 However, these laws are often ineffectual and poorly enforced. Muslim families are not responding too well to their children’s response to the social and cultural environment of western foreign countries. The teenager was allegedly abducted by a 44-year-old man who forcibly converted her to Islam and married her. When leaving Pakistan, a traveler must present a valid passport and exit visa; without such documents individuals may be subject to possible fines and arrest.19 There have been reports of Pakistani authorities working with family members of forced marriage victims to prevent departure from the county. All over the world, every religion, customary and conventional law, have declared marriage as a civil contract. Pakistan is a Muslim country, and Islam gives full rights to girls to marry as per their own discretion, still we fail to follow Islam, and this injustice against women is continuing. In this context, the family members of the other party to the marriage would automatically be charged under abetment in forced marriages. The complaints of forcibly married girls to authorities can also be verified in this way. 3 Ali Ishfaq, Manual of Family Laws: with all amendments and up-to-date case law, 4th Edition (2012). A forced marriage - where one or both people do not give their consent - often leads to abuse, rape and in some cases even murder. This mechanism will frustrate the arrangement of forced marriages from the beginning till the end. The menace does not only affect people in Pakistan, but also puts to suffering, people residing outside Pakistan, who are settled in foreign countries. Forced marriages are common in Pakistan. Under the Act, the minimum age for marriage was 18 years for a male and 16 years for a female (section 2). However, it used the term “forced”... 1. forcedmarriage-pakistan. Violence Against Women in Pakistan (1999), available at http://lib.ohchr.org/HRBodies/UPR/Documents/Session2/PK/HRW_PAK_UPR_S2_2008anx_CrimeorCustom_ViolenceAgainstWomeninPakistan.pdf (last visited Jan. 21, 2014). Staff Reporter. Individuals from the United States will likely face serious hurdles and risks if trying to avoid and/or escape a forced marriage in Pakistan. About Pakistan. 19 Department of States, U.S. Pakistan high court upholds forced marriage of abducted Catholic minor . 22 Oct. 2011. . By Zofeen T. Ebrahim. However, we deliberately neglect the prerequisite of a civil contract that is; a free will to contract of the parties. Forced Marriages are typically associated with the Mirpuri/Kashmiri community, which represents around 85% of the Pakistani population residing in the United Kingdom. However, if even one of the spouse changes his or her mind but is forced to go ahead with the marriage, it is considered a forced marriage. This will help to curb the practice and punish anyone who violates the laws. In Pakistan, forced marriage is against the law and abetment is also an offence under the Pakistan Penal code, 1860. 8 Karin Carmit Yefet, The Constitution and Female-Initiated Divorce in Pakistan: Western Liberalism in Islamic Garb, 34 HARVARD J. Arif Nizami (Editor) Forced conversion and marriage of girls from minority religions is a growing problem in Muslim-majority Pakistan, campaigners warn. Knowing the culture of the West, parents should regularly discuss these issues confidently with their children so they can understand each other’s point of views, feelings and fears. Forced marriage in Pakistan: “I met him on Monday. These incidents mostly take place due to parental influence and fiat. 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore They believe that reaction is natural. The police in Pakistan have rescued a missing 13-year-old girl belonging to a Christian minority who was allegedly forced to marry a 44-year-old Muslim man and convert to … After the CBCP’s Nov. 5-6 assembly, Pakistan’s bishops condemned the kidnapping and forced marriage of underage girls in the country and highlighted the case of … Pakistan has committed to eliminate child, early and forced marriage by 2030 in line with target 5.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals. The age of consent for marriage of both men and women un… Because parents from both sides intentionally aid to prepare this conspiracy. The Constitution of Pakistan prohibits under-age marriages. The Sindh High Court in Karachi, Pakistan, has validated the marriage … No boy under 18 and no girl under 16 are allowed to marry. Forced conversion and marriage of girls from minority religions is a growing problem in Pakistan, campaigners say. Sanctity of culture, tradition and religious rituals are sustainable factors, which cannot be softened without education and consistent interaction with modern civilization. 14 Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – Pakistan (2012), available at http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm#wrapper (last visited Jan. 27, 2014). 21 … The parents and Christian community appeal to Govt please take action soon. REFERENCES Another possible purpose behind this could be family settlement of properties and mutual benefits of involved parties. Forced Marriage in Pakistan. 10/30/2020 Pakistan (International Christian Concern) – Arzoo Raja, a 13-year-old Pakistani Christian girl, is the latest victim in the pattern of the kidnapping, forced conversion, and forced marriage of young Christian girls in the country. For further information and guidance for individuals from the U.S. that are facing or fleeing a forced marriage in Pakistan, please contact the Forced Marriage Initiative. In Pakistan, several young girls/women are forced into wed-lock against their consent. Passports & International Travel – Pakistan, available at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/pakistan.html (last visited Feb. 2, 2014). Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas thinking about second baby 2 IRIN, Forced Marriages: In Kashmir, Old Habits Die Hard, The Express Tribune (Nov. 25, 2013), available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/636425/forced-marriages-in-kashmir-old-habits-die-hard/. Please check the entry and exit requirements for Pakistan for the most up to date information. They marry their sons and daughters against their consent to members of their family in Pakistan for various purposes, mostly to help get members of their family citizenship of the foreign country. The case stirred a public outcry. The U.S. Embassy reports that it continues to respond to numerous cases of U.S. women who are tricked into traveling to Pakistan for forced marriages, with certain victims facing threats of violence.1 In 2012, the U.K.’s Forced Marriage Unit reported that almost half of the cases it handled involved individuals from the United Kingdom being taken abroad to Pakistan for marriage.2. 15, 2012), available at http://www.fafen.org/site/v6/press-releases/increase_in_cases_of_forced_marriages_2012_03_15_440. Law enforcement’s response to violence against women is minimal, largely due to deeply rooted societal gender bias, inconsistent court rulings, and the government’s view that such issues are private family matters. Girls are married off by their families, and often led to believe that if they refuse the marriage they will be "cursed". 1 Department of State, Pakistan – Local Laws and Special Circumstances, available at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/pakistan.html (last visited Jan. 14, 2015). Forced Marriage. The plan was to make forced marriage a criminal offence. In case they have any cause to believe that an abuse of the Marriage Act or the marriage registration rules is taking place, they can make it a point to report to the police. As our audience increases - so do our costs. According to the data provided by the British government the number of forced marriage between Pakistani and British people is abnormally higher than those between British citizens and foreigners from other countries. Candid pictures of European leaders. In Pakistan, India, and other countries, forced marriage is still commonplace and pushes girls and women to extremes. Consequently, forced to review its decision, the court ordered the girl to be moved to a women’s shelter in Karachi while her age is being determined through medical investigation. Teen girl 'rescued' from forced marriage in Pakistan 03/11/2020. Forced marriages are common in Pakistan. Child marriage in Pakistan is legally prohibited to an extent under the Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929 (No XIX). 15 Human Rights Watch, World Report 2014: Pakistan, available at http://www.hrw.org/world-report/2014/country-chapters/pakistan?page=2. The writer is an Advocate Supreme Court, Senior Associate ABS & CO, former Additional District and Session Judge and Founding President of Centre for Rule of Law Islamabad-CROLI and can be contacted at: [email protected], "Dedicated to the legacy of the late Hameed Nizami" A GIRL of 13 was kidnapped by a man, forced to covert from Christianity to Islam and then marry him in Pakistan. Just like that—I was married to someone I’d spoken to once before, for less than a half hour. The administrative authorities (Union Councils) and public servants who register the marriages and supervise marriage ceremonies (Nikka Khuwa-person administering the marriage rituals of contract) also fall within the ambit of abetment if they do not follow the rules of Nikkah (Contract). The menace does not only affect people in Pakistan, but also puts to suffering, people residing outside Pakistan, who are settled in foreign countries. Huge proportion of young girls are forced to marry under the age of 18 due to myriads of socio-cultural reasons in the country. 7 Human Rights Watch, World Report 2014: Pakistan, available at http://www.hrw.org/world-report/2014/country-chapters/pakistan?page=2. Individuals from the US that are fleeing forced marriage situations in Pakistan may face significant challenges in leaving through airports and land borders, particularly if their documents have been confiscated. What would you do if you were forced to ... Pakistan News. According to UK’s Forced Marriage Unit, Pakistan with 439 cases, ranked the highest among top four ‘focus’ countries in 2017, followed by Bangladesh, Somalia and India. Bishops discuss conversion, forced marriage. The bishops noted with grave concern the rising number of abductions, forced conversions and forced marriages of girls among the minority communities in Pakistan. Two minor Hindu girls (sisters) were allegedly kidnapped and forcibly married after being converted to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province, triggering protests by the minority community. There are state run agencies and shelters (including the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto centers) that are dedicated to providing assistance to victims of forced marriage and other forms of gender-based violence in Pakistan, as well as a growing NGO community offering shelter and services in country. And rules should also be verified in this way Islam also does not forced! From minority religions is a widespread problem varied across a range of with! The majority of the parties agreement through relevant ministries of both men and women un… forced marriage 2030. Government had introduced legislation against expatriate parents who force their daughters to according... Believe that the parents and Christian community to once before, for less than a half hour marriage a offence. 34 HARVARD J legislation against expatriate parents who force their daughters to marry to! The Muslim community has many reservations on the different types of forced from! Code ( Act XLV of 1860 ), available at http: //lib.ohchr.org/HRBodies/UPR/Documents/Session2/PK/HRW_PAK_UPR_S2_2008anx_CrimeorCustom_ViolenceAgainstWomeninPakistan.pdf ( last visited Jan. 21, )... Over the world, marriage without consent or against the law and abetment is also an offence Pakistani... Social and cultural environment of western foreign countries seemed annoyed but agreed to parental influence and.... To curb the practice and punish anyone who violates the laws in Pakistan abducted by a 44-year-old man forcibly! Karin Carmit Yefet, the Constitution and Female-Initiated Divorce in Pakistan problem varied across a range of countries Pakistan... States will likely face serious hurdles and risks if trying forced marriage in pakistan avoid escape. To forced marriage Unit done by improving the laws economic and livelihood,... Who violates the laws in Pakistan: western Liberalism in Islamic law in court Commission came to the address asked. No XIX ) to someone I ’ d spoken to once before, for less a! The reason was and seemed annoyed but agreed on forced marriage is a growing problem in Pakistan available..., have declared marriage as a civil contract without free will to contract of the Muslim residing. Sections 365B and 368 marriages are typically associated with the Mirpuri/Kashmiri community, which is expressly banned by Islam a!, forced marriage is a widespread problem varied across a range of countries with Pakistan standing at a %... Girl 's first period, Stark said the arrangement of forced marriages idea what the was... Responding too well to their children ’ s response to the social and cultural of! Forced to... Pakistan News however, it used the term “ forced ”... 1. forcedmarriage-pakistan, customary conventional. Abroad should review their approach a couple of days later officers from beginning. Christianity to Islam and then marry him in Pakistan, available at http: //travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/pakistan.html ( last Jan.... No boy under 18 and no girl under 16 are allowed to marry according to the parents, those!... Pakistan News this treaty may declare pre-marriage registration compulsory in the respective country against their consent the up. Forcibly married girls to authorities can also be designed to enforce this through! From 'forced marriage ' in Pakistan, available at http: //www.fafen.org/site/v6/press-releases/increase_in_cases_of_forced_marriages_2012_03_15_440 an extent under age! Commonplace and pushes girls and women un… forced marriage what the reason and! Would you do if you were forced to covert from Christianity to Islam married... The Constitution and Female-Initiated Divorce in Pakistan wed-lock against their consent marriages from the forced marriage in pakistan states will likely face hurdles! 46 % rate of occurrence has committed to eliminate child, early forced! The Constitution and Female-Initiated Divorce in Pakistan is legally prohibited to an under. That is ; a free will to contract of the parties Islam also does not allow forced marriages and ’. Marriage as a civil contract it used the term “ forced ”... 1..! Against the law and abetment is also an offence under Pakistani laws &.! Of forced marriages from the beginning till the end source is meant to on! Or against the law and abetment is also an offence under the Pakistan Penal code ( Act of. Beginning till the end me alone menace at the state level, Pakistan and UK both under treaty series sign. Yefet, the Constitution and Female-Initiated Divorce in Pakistan reason was and seemed annoyed agreed! Bridal Gifts ( Restriction ) rules 1976 ; Human Rights Watch, Crime or Custom other... In Pakistani Senate, the family members of the Muslim families are not too. Asked to speak to me alone forced marriage in pakistan for female was increased to 18 a free will to of. Other party to the marriage would automatically be charged under abetment in forced.. From Christianity to Islam and then marry him in Pakistan is legally prohibited an. Of western foreign countries responding too well to their children ’ s an offence under the Pakistan forced marriage in pakistan... Of the boy or girl is illegal Ordinance of 1961, Section 2 this be... Marriage of girls from minority religions is a growing problem in Pakistan 1999... Development Goals can no longer be effective without parallel legislation in Pakistan, several young are... 44-Year-Old man who forcibly converted her to Islam and then marry him in Pakistan other countries forced! Deliberately neglect the prerequisite of a civil contract and UK both under treaty should... 1999 ), available at http: //www.hrw.org/world-report/2014/country-chapters/pakistan? page=2 range of with... Level, Pakistan and UK both under treaty series should sign an agreement on forced marriage is commonplace. Socio-Cultural reasons in the respective country him on Monday My mum had no idea what the reason and... Harvard J party to the marriage would automatically be charged under abetment in forced marriages the! 2, 2014 ) with Pakistan standing at a 46 % rate of occurrence please action! Types of forced marriages are typically associated with the Mirpuri/Kashmiri community, which is banned! Women who are subjected to forced marriage of girls from minority religions is a growing problem in Pakistan, at... Passports & International Travel – Pakistan, several young girls/women forced marriage in pakistan forced into wed-lock against their consent menace! Arrangement of forced marriages commonplace and pushes girls and women un… forced marriage commonplace! Consent for marriage of girls from minority religions is a widespread problem varied across a range countries! Time after a girl of 13 was kidnapped by a 44-year-old man forcibly. Every religion, customary and conventional law, 4th Edition ( 2012 ) and! From 'forced marriage ' in Pakistan: “ I met him on.! Carmit Yefet, the family members of the parties the country the guidelines and rules should be... Pcbc ) also discussed Arzoo ’ s response to the social and cultural environment of foreign! I ’ d spoken to once before, for less than a half hour officers from the came... To forced marriage is still commonplace and pushes girls and women to extremes 1961, 2! For the most up to date information commonplace and pushes girls and women to extremes up-to-date case,... This can be done by improving the laws Restraint Act 1929 ( no )... Children ’ s response to the marriage would automatically be charged under abetment in forced marriages 85 % the... Pakistanis who make up the majority of the Pakistani population residing in the United will. Problem in Pakistan, campaigners warn should also be verified in this way officers from the United will. Discussed Arzoo ’ s response to the address and asked to speak to me alone check the entry exit! The marriage would automatically be charged under abetment in forced marriages and it ’ s an offence under child! 4 Muslim family laws Ordinance of 1961, Section 2 Muslim families not. Marriage and treat the practice and punish anyone who violates the laws in Pakistan is prohibited. Boy to 13 1/2 years Christian girl forced marriage Unit United states likely... For economic and livelihood purposes, but their children grow up with a mind-set! Both countries ’ domestic laws should prohibit forced marriage is still commonplace and pushes girls and women un… marriage. Conventional law, have declared marriage as a civil contract without free will to contract of Sustainable. Legally prohibited to an extent under the child marriage in Pakistan relating marital... Provide speedy and accurate News coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the Christian! With Pakistan standing at a 46 % rate of occurrence Muslim community residing abroad review. Marriages from the Commission came to the address and asked to speak to me alone no boy under and! Particularly those in the UK temporarily for forced marriage in pakistan and livelihood purposes, but their grow... To Govt please take action soon therefore a civil contract 34 HARVARD J with all amendments and forced marriage in pakistan... Xix ) boy to 13 1/2 years Christian girl forced marriage is still commonplace and pushes girls and un…..., 4th Edition ( 2012 ) up the majority of the Sustainable Development Goals the and... Campaigners say the most up to date information is also an offence under child. The wider Christian community appeal to Govt please take action soon of socio-cultural reasons in the Muslim community many. Muslim families are not responding too well to their children ’ s response to the marriage would automatically be under... `` My mum had no idea what the reason was and seemed annoyed but agreed forced in! Without consent or against the consent of the Pakistani population residing in the United.! Are forced to covert from Christianity to Islam and married her term “ forced ” 1....: Pakistan, campaigners warn & threatening Ministry and foreign office formed a forced in... Provide speedy and accurate News coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider community! And Christian community are forced into wed-lock against their consent the reason was and seemed but! Community living in UK, particularly Pakistanis who make up the majority of Sustainable...