Swat Jirga Orders 9-Year-Old Girl’s Marriage to 32-Year-Old Man in Manglor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising serious concerns about child marriage in Pakistan. The minor girl forced into marriage reflects ongoing issues with illegal child marriage and underage brides in Swat. Authorities have launched a police investigation after the tribal council verdict.
The girl, aged only nine, was married under a local jirga’s decision, despite Pakistan’s minimum marriage age laws. Her uncle, Syed Rehman, reportedly abducted her months earlier. The wedding was carried out following the Swat jirga decision, sparking outrage across the region. Hazro Police have registered an FIR against the groom, Naim, and several others, including the officiant of the marriage.
This case is similar to a recent Attock forced marriage case, where a 12-year-old girl was married to a 70-year-old man by her stepfather. These incidents highlight the challenges of enforcing child protection laws in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Experts warn that the jirga system in Pakistan often clashes with anti-child marriage laws and women’s protection laws.
Human rights organizations condemned the incident, calling it coercion in marriage and a serious gender-based violence issue. Police are investigating all suspects and coordinating with child protection authorities. The case emphasizes the need for stronger law enforcement response to illegal tribal court decisions.
Child marriage not only violates national laws but also puts young girls at risk of health issues, social exclusion, and lifelong trauma. Authorities in Swat are under pressure to prevent further minor girl forced marriage cases and hold the jirga accountable.
