the motivation behind the forced marriage was a property dispute
Pakistani police in Muzaffarabad successfully prevented the forced child marriage of two underage sisters in Sultan Colony.
The incident came to light when law enforcement received a tip-off about the planned union, prompting officers to arrive swiftly at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that the girls’ grandfather and uncle were orchestrating the marriage.
Both men were subsequently taken into custody. A formal case has now been registered against them.
Initial investigations indicate that the motivation behind the forced marriage was a property dispute within the family.
The suspects allegedly aimed to use the girls as a way to retain control over family assets and inheritance.
Police confirmed that the sisters have since been handed over to their mother following the attempted exploitation.
Officials stated that further investigation is ongoing to ensure justice and long-term protection for the girls involved.
The case underscores rising concern around child marriages in Pakistan, particularly when such acts are tied to property or financial manipulation.
In a similar incident in June 2025, a 13-year-old girl in Karachi’s Hijrat Colony was rescued before a child marriage could take place.
That attempt involved coordinated action between Civil Lines police and the Women and Child Protection Cell.
Acting on reliable intelligence, authorities reached the scene just as preparations for the ceremony were being finalised.
The girl’s family was asked to produce legal documentation verifying her age, which confirmed she was only 13.
Based on that evidence, police arrested the parents and others allegedly involved in planning the illegal marriage.
The case was registered under Sections 3 and 5 of the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2013.
Section 511 of the Pakistan Penal Code was also added, which deals with attempts to commit an offence.
Meanwhile, the judiciary has begun tightening legal oversight in these matters, especially around those enabling such acts.
In May 2025, the Lahore High Court ruled that Nikah registrars could face consequences for officiating underage marriages.
Justice Anwar-ul-Haq Pannu delivered the judgment, which demands that documentary proof of a bride’s age be verified.
The court also highlighted the responsibility of witnesses and registrars in preventing unlawful marriages involving minors.
This ruling came in response to a petition filed by Azmat Bibi, who sought action against forced child marriages.
Together, these incidents point to a growing emphasis on legal and institutional accountability in preventing child exploitation.
They also reflect a shift in how Pakistani authorities are responding to child marriage cases.
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