Child marriage: Minor girl ‘sold’ to suitor

Her uncles reportedly requested Zardari to delay the Rukhsati due to Wadhai’s age but were ignored. DESIGN: MUHAMMAD SUHAIB 

SOBHO DERO: A nine year old girl, W*, was married to 35-year old Zahid Zardari on Thursday, after the groom reportedly paid Rs1.5 million to her family.

W* is a resident of the Kamal Lashari village. Her uncles reportedly requested Zardari to delay the Rukhsati due to Wadhai’s age but were ignored.

The police was informed about the issue but no action was taken due to the groom’s influential status.

When ASI Ghulam Akbar Khaskheli and SHO Fateh Muhammad Awan reached the wedding, they were confronted by Zardari’s men, forcing them to turn back.

Zardari, who lives in district Benazirabad, was accompanied by armed men and a Nikahkhwan (vows solemniser) for the ceremony.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2013.