Peshawar court bars marriage of 13-year-old girl until 16

The Child Protection Court in Peshawar has issued a ruling on a petition concerning the alleged forced marriage of a 13-year-old girl in the Phando area.

According to the written order, the girl will not be married off or sent to her husband’s home until she reaches the age of 16. The girl’s father also agreed to the court’s direction.

The petition was filed by an officer of the Child Protection Commission in Peshawar, who approached the court over allegations that the minor had been forcibly married in Phando.

During the proceedings, the girl was produced before the court in the presence of a social worker and a psychologist from the Child Protection Unit. The court reviewed the circumstances surrounding the alleged marriage and issued its written decision.

The girl’s father, grandfather and grandmother denied that she had been married. They told the court that no marriage ceremony had taken place and that the family had only held an engagement ceremony.

The court directed the Child Protection Officer to closely monitor the girl’s safety and submit a follow-up report every three months.

The ruling effectively prevents the girl’s marriage or departure to a marital home until she turns 16, while authorities will continue monitoring her welfare and protection.