CNICs: a requirement for rural women
This is with reference to the letter ‘Caution before marriage’ by Dr Javeria Saleem (July 14). She has supported the government’s decision for a medical check-up of both the bride and the groom before marriage.
She has also suggested that both should be required to have a matriculation certificate at the time of marriage. She has presented a good idea and it is a good omen that a woman has drawn the attention of the legislative body for amendment against early marriages. It is education that has brought awareness in women.
No doubt her suggestions are valid but first we will have to establish schools in the rural areas especially for girls with devoted female teachers of the vicinity, washrooms, safe drinking water facilities, and a safe and secure environment.
Secondly, in the rural areas there is no marriage registration system and nikahnamas are not filled out. Most females do not even have national identity cards.
In some areas the mother of the bride does not know about the groomÂ’s family. Nikah is performed verbally without any paperwork or written agreement or even the consent of the groom and the bride.
In order to control such situations, CNICs and registration of Nikah should be made compulsory along with the Nikahnama that contains the amendments suggested by Dr Javeria.
UMAR SHAHZAIB
Hyderabad
Source: Dawn
Date:7/18/2010
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