Right to marry

Author:

Sir: Gender roles are dynamic and should change over time. However, this fluidity is not seen in our society. An oft-practiced custom, prevalent in Sindh and Punjab, “Haq Bakhshi” literally means “renouncing the right to marry”. This is a significant misuse of power by family elders, who do not wish to part with their lands as a consequence of marrying their daughters.

The feudal lords in Sindh and Punjab usually marry off their daughters to Holy Quran, bonding them for their whole lives. This practice is not at all justified by the teachings of our religion. Islam never allows any individual nor a group to pursue such social injustice.

A young couple recently held a press conference, asking for their protection because the young girl being forced to marry the Holy Book, had fled with a boy of her choice. Pakistani law has already criminalised haq bakshish, and also declared a seven-year prison sentence for its offenders. Religious scholars should come forward and act as a beacon against such cases. Media must also get involved in spreading awareness about that subject.

SHAFI MOHAMMAD SOLANGI

Dadu