Vicitim of forced marriage is under age: report | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Vicitim of forced marriage is under age: report

DADU: The doctor examining a victim of forced marriage has said that according to preliminary reports of the girl’s tests, she is teenaged.

On the orders of the civil judge of Khairpur Nathan Shah, Shazia Khoso was examined at Khairpur Nathan Shah taluka hospital on Thursday to ascertain her age.

Human rights cell of Dadu police on Wednesday saved her from being married to a 50-year-old man.

Medical officer Dr Zarina Soomro examined her.

According to Dr Zarina Soomro, Shazia was under age and about 13-years old. But finally a medical board would determine her age.Meanwhile, Shazia’s maternal uncle Nizam Khoso expressed no confidence on the investigation team of the case and alleged that team head Bakht Bughio was supporting the accused.

Mr Nizam said that Bakht Bughio was developing pressure on Shazia and her mother Zohra to withdraw the case.

Mr Nizam said he had visited Sita road police station to provide meal to Shazia and Zohra but police did not allow him.

Later, the police produced Shazia in the court of civil Judge Khairpur Nathan Shah where she told the court that she wanted to live with her mother.

The court allowed Shazia to live with her mother Zohra. After recording statement, Zohra and Shazia left Sita Road town where they used to live.

Police released accused Ghulam Ali Khoso who had solemnised Nikah with Shazia two years ago and now wanted his Rukhsati.

Police raided his village on Wednesday and arrested him and his brother Imamuddin, Shazia’s brother Inayat Ali Khoso, and her paternal uncles Ghulam Mustafa and Ali Hassan who were nominated in the FIR. The others were also released by police.

According to police, they were released on bail.

Moulvi Nazeer Ahmed Panhwar, who had facilitated Nikah, was also released.

Investigation officer Bakht Bughio said that Zohra had informed him that Ghulam Ali Khoso would not seek Rukhsati of Shazia till she attained puberty. He said that he would submit charge-sheet in the court in 14 days.
Source: Dawn
Date:3/6/2010