Child Marriage Attempt Foiled in Karachi
Karachi Pakistan – In a disturbing incident highlighting the ongoing challenge of child marriage in Pakistan authorities in Karachi successfully thwarted an attempt to marry off a 13 year old girl The incident took place in the city’s Orangi Town area where local police acting on a tip off intervened just as preparations for the wedding were underway .
Timely Police Action Prevents Illegal Ceremony
The police raid conducted late Tuesday evening led to the arrest of multiple individuals involved in organizing the illegal marriage including the child’s parents the groom and the cleric scheduled to officiate the ceremony According to police officials the girl was to be married to a man significantly older than her reportedly in his early 30s .
The child was visibly distressed and it was clear she was not fully aware of what was happening said a senior police officer involved in the rescue operation We were fortunate to receive a call from an anonymous neighbor who alerted us in time .
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Charges Filed Under Child Marriage Restraint Act
All individuals arrested are facing charges under the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 which prohibits the marriage of individuals under 18 years of age Under this law parents guardians and facilitators including clerics and witnesses can face imprisonment of up to three years and fines .
A case has been formally registered at the local police station and the arrested suspects were presented before a magistrate on Wednesday Initial court proceedings have begun with the suspects being remanded into police custody for further investigation .
Victim Taken Into Protective Custody
The young girl has been taken into protective custody by the Child Protection Bureau and is currently undergoing counseling and medical evaluation Authorities are also in the process of evaluating the safety of her home environment before making any decisions regarding her future living arrangements .
We are working to ensure that she receives not just physical safety but also psychological support to help her recover from this trauma said a representative from the Child Protection Bureau .
Public Reaction and Ongoing Awareness Efforts
The case has sparked outrage across social media and has drawn condemnation from child rights activists and human rights organizations Many have called for stricter enforcement of existing laws and greater awareness at the community level to combat such practices
This incident underscores the urgent need for community education and a shift in social attitudes said a spokesperson from Sahil a prominent child protection NGO The law alone cannot solve this problem Society must come together to protect our children .
Conclusion
While the timely intervention by police in this case prevented a serious violation of a child’s rights experts emphasize that countless similar cases go unnoticed or unreported each year This incident in Karachi serves as a stark reminder that child marriage remains a pressing issue in Pakistan demanding sustained legal social and educational efforts to eradicate it completely .