Eloped pre-teen sent to Darul Aman

Chitral -- Senior Civil Judge Chitral has sent a pre-teenager girl to Darul Aman in Peshawar after her refusal to go home with her family following court decision declaring her marriage with another teenager(14 years) boy voidable. Naila aged 12 had eloped two days ago and contracted marriage with the boy which was facilitated by villagers of Brep, Begusht. Father of the girl lodged FIR at Garam Chashma Police Station saying that the couple was under age and the marriage was voidable. After hearing all sides the court allowed the couple to go home with their parents but the girl refused and the court then ordered to send her to Darul Aman.
 

It may be recalled that about a month or so ago this scribe placed a write up on these pages to invite attention of right minded people to take notice of it for urgent action before it rends our society apart and destroys more families. Some of my friends accused me of trying to raise a storm in tea cup.

In the past one week two girls have eloped from two neighboring villages of Garam Chashma and situation in entire Chitral can well be imagined. The latest casualty is the girl under reference who happens to be this repirter''s 12 years old niece, eloped with a 14 year sold boy, a close relative of Provincial Minister Saleem Khan. The run -away couple visited few families to solemnize their marriage but were not obliged for being underage. Finally they succeeded in finding supporters in village Brep, Begusht, where the villagers led by Badshah Gul, an AKESP teacher, Abdur Rahim ,ex-councillor and Sobedar Nazur Ban Shah, a serving Border Security Personnel ,solemnized the marriage in the house of one Burhanuddin. The Nikah Khawan was apparently pressurized to perform the ritual.

When I received a telephone call from the ex- U.C Nazim Shirin Khan the next morning at 8 ‘o clock, I reached the village to persuade the villagers to hand over the two teenagers to their parents to save themselves from the legal consequences of abetment in the crime involving under-age marriage without the consent of the guardian and paving way for fornication as the marriage is null and void in the eyes of law. But the villagers were not ready to listen to me. Even the Ismaili Council President Mr. Amir Wali was not helpful despite his institutions commitments to discourage elopements.

After the unsuccessful mission (villagers refused to hand over my niece) when I reached home, my brother had already lodged FIR after being informed on phone from Begusht that I was being taken as hostage and some people tried to kill me . The Police party sent to recover the couple came back empty handed. During the hearing of the case when mother of the girl was allowed to meet her daughter to persuade her to come  home she was informed by her daughter that members of that police party asked her to consummate the marriage so that nobody can separate them later on. According to the mother her daughter confided to her that Minister Saleem Khan had assured her through constables Aftab and Syed Wazir that she should stick to her statement and consummate the marriage so that nobody can send her to jail. She also confided that the boys’ aunt (Shamsia Hussain) with whom he was staying had promised to send them to Dubai where her (aunt’s) husband (Rehmat Hussain) was employed as watchman in a jamat khana.

When I encountered Saleem Khan with the girl’s statement he denied the allegation and promised to ask the DPO to take disciplinary action and remove the two constables from their jobs. The taste of pudding is in the eating. Now let us see how matters move forward. father of the girl also says that when he approached the police station to register FIR, he was pressurized and made to wait for two hours by the constable Syed Wazir insisting on compromise. Only when a senior officer arrived the FIR was registered. In the instant case even medical report has been delayed. Hopefully there would be no pressure as the Minister has promised.

When I was in Chitral today in connection with this case, back in Garam Chashma the guilty party had tried to take over my college , pasted posters on the walls and send sms to malign and intimidate me. Students were harassed and sent back. I had to telephonically contact the police station to guard my college and asked my staff to stay back at night to look after the premises . Meanwhile I had to rush back from Chitral to discuss the state of affairs with my staff and possibly take action against the agent provocateurs. It needs to be understood that I am not the party in this case but some vested interests are dragging me into it hoping that I would force my brother to withdraw the FIR . This is not a correct perception because he is a responsible man and has the right to handle the case involving his daughter.

As a witness to the court proceeding and side talks I believe that the teenagers cannot be charged of illegal marriage and adultery but those who facilitated the marriage and induced the girl to consummate it should be charged with this crime. They include the two police constables and the boys Aunt Shamsia besides others nominated by the girl’s father in the FIR. Deterrent punishments to the guilty will go a long way to eliminate the curse of elopements from our society which have assumed endemic proportion. -- Report by Islamuddin, Garam Chashma 10 Nov 2011.

Comment 1

Countless questions arise in our minds after such an incident of social calamity that shakes the foundation of our society. A foremost question is, who to blame? The under aged boy and girl! They, by any mean, are not able to differentiate between the right and wrong; they have no idea of the consequences of binding themselves to a marital contract. Is it not the responsibility of the prominent members of our society, whom the eloped kids seek refuge from, to act in a well mannered and respected way? When the two naives seek help from respected villagers, it becomes their responsibility to protect eloped kids’ honors and inform their families.

Sadly, in above mentioned case an uncultured incident has occurred. Two teens have been helped toward unlawful marriage, also a college has been shut down and students have been harassed. The learning institution does not belong to one person; rather it is a public facility where our children are being educated. These people should not be allowed to take the law in their hands. Leaders should not support such activities in the community; they should establish respective and positive examples for the society by taking precautionary actions.

Often if not always these eloped kids are under eighteen, and people who provide shelters for them are well aware of this fact. Chitralis should wake up now and protect their society from this curse.-- Roshan Akbar, Tennessee, USA, 11 Nov 2011.

Comment 2

Marriages are to be established on a mutual understanding, acceptance, and approval, but such requirements cannot be achieved in a very young age. Here the Niala case is a crime involving underage marriage. The shocking news is not that she eloped but the shocking news is that the Begusht people actually performed the ritual of marriage. Was it a play of dolls for them? I guess not, it was a question of one’s honor and respect. Therefore, I appeal to the Civil Judge of Chitral district to provide justice. -- Muhammad Akbar, Toronto Canada 11 Nov 2011

Comment 3

Indeed a sad story,a shameful attitude by the police constables,a height of irresponsibility by the so-called president ismaili council garam chashma and a discouraging piece of work by our honorary and elected leaders.this i think is the worst incident of elopment in the history of chitral where a pre teenaged couple is encouraged to contract a premature marriage.this not only make their parents worried but also puts end to the joy of their lives.fair justice is very rare in our ill fortunate country.great many people return hopeless.despite of the case being very clear even to a common man,still i expect a little from the authorities as the high handedness by some responsible part of our community has been mentioned by the learned writer.being from chitral i am damn disappointed to hear about that.the lady,the police constables and all those who played their so called roles in this particular issue are suppose to hang upside down if justice in its strict sense is exercised.the punishment of the culprits will not only teach them a bitter lesson but can also control any menace of similar nature in future as well..--Shareef khan, Toronto Canada 11 Nov 2011
 

Comment 4

This is not the first time that a young girl has eloped with a young boy in Chitral. However, this maybe one of the few cases when a girl of 12 years and a boy of 14 years old have taken the liberty to decide for their marriage by taking this extreme step. It obviously is a very concerning and worrying incident that children of this young age can go against their parents and socio-cultural and religious injunctions. How dare they are to first take this radical step and then the girl to refuse to go back to her parents/home. There, of course, are many lessons to be learnt by the parents and leaders from this incident.

What I do not understand is why Mr. Islamuddin, a highly educated person, wanted to publish in the on-line news this embarrassing and unfortunate story concerning his own family. Where he may be right to blame those who, according to him, have assisted the boy and girl to marry, he should blame himself and his family for not educating and for not taking care of their daughter. The fact the girl has refused go back to her parent home and she prefers to go to Darul Aman tells volumes about who to is be blamed for this incident.. What is more painful is that both the boy and girl were students of the school led by Mr. Islamuddin. We must accept that there must be something not right in the families (of the boy and girl) and the school that these kids have taken this step. My humble suggestion is to stop the blame-game and accept one's own weaknesses as parents, guardians, teachers, and leaders. It is very easy to point fingers at others but very difficult to accept one's own weakness. Both the families in this incident must reflect on their own home culture, relationships with their children, and the dignity of the society in which they live. Pouring mud on each others can further damage their families.

I also very respectfully disagree with the writer that the Pamir College belongs to him as he says "my college". The college and school belong to the community and Mr Islamuddin is one of the employees there. My humble request is not to drag this institution into this issue because it can damage the reputation of the institution. Also, it is not ethical to name the individuals and institutions and holding them responsible for the act committed by these two innocent kids. Unless the individuals or institutions are proved to be involved in the case by a competent authority or Law, it is unethical and illegal to blame them based on assumptions and mere dislike. What if the competent court finds no evidence of these individuals and institutions being involved in this case. Would they not register another case against Mr Islamuddin for de-faming them in public? -- Zia-ur-Rehman, Peshawar University 11 Nov 2011

Comment 5

It is high level of irresponsibility of the people who helped the teens in their marriage without informing their guardians. Very shocking for me to know that Badshah Gul who is a teacher and role model for the society is involved in this illegal ceremony. Without discouraging them he encouraged them to marry. Now onward how the people will trust this person? Is he now trust worthy person in the society after this event? Again i m very shocked to hear about Ismaili Council President, Mr Amir Wali for not taking any sort of serious action to teach the people lesson for future to stop elopements. It should be really shameful for these persons and they should resign from their posts.

Secondly very sad to hear that the people are pressurizing to close the school which is the foundation of future generation. It is high level harassment of students and teachers and the teachers and students union should be active and should protest against this shut down of institution.

All people involved in this case are culprits and should be given exemplary punishment so that we can save our heaven Chitral from such cases of aided elopement. Every true Chitrali should need fair justice and work against the evil doers. We should stand up before it is too late -- Fardad Ali Shah Sanick Garam Chashma, 11 Nov 2011..

Comment 6

Zia ur Rehman's perception of Islamuddin publishing the news to highlight the unfortunate ,embarrasing or whatever story about his own family is totally wrong. This problem does not belong to a single family rather its the biggest problem faced by the whole chitral community for about a decade. Lots of girls run away following the foot steps of each other. The basic purpose of highlighting such incidents whether it be related to your own family or other is to create awareness among the people of Chitral and to expose the ill factors existing in our society who encourage and convince people towards unhealthy activities. .This is the time we must raise our voices and try to control it to some extent if we cannot stop it. If this desstructing activity and the stupid approach of our youngsters continues, it gonna destroy the character, dignity and the unity of whole chitralis very soon. This is not something to go against with or to be condemned rather we all should appreciate the writer for highlighting the negative aspects of our society.But its quite shocking to see educated people like you going against it so blindly.

As far as the school is concerned again he does not claim to own it or he didnt consider that his own property in any line of the article.Being the head of that institution and having served there for quite a long period atleast he has the right to call it ``My college``.I dont think there is something wrong with that because everybody in chitral,no matter to which part of it they belong to, better know that pamir public school is a community based institution and nobody can ever claim of its ownership.

Come on Chitralis!! wake up now!! try and think out of the box!!If we have to move forward we need to have positive approach towards everything, we need to eliminate the criticizing habits from ourselves and instead adopt an encouraging one. This would i think help those who have the guts to serve the people..long live chitral. -- Shareef Khan, Toronto Canada 12 Nov 2011

Comment 7

To see the writer’s piece of writing and the comments by other honorable friends I will give my humble suggestion to both parties to sit together and try to resolve and handle the situation in a better way. Otherwise just to blame each others will be cause of further confusion.

 Being a part of the society we condemn such kind of activities which are increasing day by day. It is the right of everyone to write their opinion about the case, but they don’t have right to target personalities without knowing their responsibilities.

The president of the Ismaili council is not a selected person, but he is an honorary appointee of the council by His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan for the second term duration. He is the man who always in the front to resolve such king of conflicts and disputes.

Hence each of us should know the role and responsibilities of each other’s and contribute for the betterment of our society. -- Miran Shah Karachi, 12 Nov 2011.

Comment 8

Mr. Ziaur Rahman is more than right in his assertions about the matter being discussed here. We cannot simply distinguish between who is right or wrong based on only the version of one party in the case. If according to Mr. Islamuddin so many villagers were in favour of the eloped couple then we should also listen to their side of story in this situation. Afterall we cannot expect so many people going insane at the same time. -- Imran Khan, Chitral 12 Nov 2011

Comment 9

I am surprised by the very unethical manner Islamuddin has covered the whole scenario. Irrespective of who and what is right, mentioning unrelated individuals by name and even stating their professions and institutions is an irresponsible act. Truly speaking this cannot be expected from a highly educated and experienced person of Mr Islamuddin’s caliber. -- Jalaluddin Ahmed Dubai 12 Nov 2011
 

Comment 10

It is high level of irresponsibility of the people who helped the teens in their marriage without informing their parents, and it is very shocking for our society. In my opinion the girl and boy and their  parents must be punished harshly so that in future no body exercises such practice. It also reflects a bad name for our community. I request all parents to control their children to avoid doing such incidents. -- Dawlat khan, Karimabad 12 Nov 2011

Comment 11

With due respect to different points of view on the subject under discussion the latest information is that medical board has declared the girl to be 17 years of age which means that Naila was born three year s before their parents married each other. We are looking forward to celebrate her 13th birthday in February next year. By giving this report the medical Board has violated the Hippocratic oath that every doctor takes before entering the profession. The honorable Judge had already declared as unnecessary and proceeded with the case but police continued to request that the case be pended till production of medical report. Perhaps the delay was necessary for some kind of compromise effort which was not possible in this particular case under the law.

Apart from doctors some other sections of the society have also got rotten eggs thrown on their faces. This is something that commentators should discuss because it gives a mirror image of what we have become. The girl is in police custody and keeps on changing statements on each day , which testifies to the version of her father that she has mental disabilities and cannot be blamed for any act of her own. It is true that parents and schools do have responsibilities towards kids. But what if the child is a psychic and falls into the trap of another psychic who, pretending to be her friend ,encourages her to marry her nephew promising the raw minds living in the world of fantasy that they would be sent to Dubai to live the life of their dreams.

What if the principal of the institution crusading against corruption is targeted by the corrupt mafia, getting a psychic brother of his best friend to burn his home, scandalizing innocent relationships, trying to commit dacoity in his house and now attack his honor by kidnapping his psychic and pre teen niece. Many attempts have been made to take over his college. I call it my college because I am part of the community who owns the college. Chitralis consider common mother as a nuisance as the saying goes( muzhayo nanar veran) which is part of our problem . I am trying to reverse this trend and inculcate sense of ownership in the community by saying that common mother is a better mother.

Naila is immature and her mental age is not more than 3 years. She has genetic problems now running into third generation .She still plays with dolls and her best friends are my 4 years old son Ayaan and 7 years old niece Farkhanda. If she was normal I would have advised by brother to forget like most Chitralis . Again being a special child with known disabilities he would not have disowned her as a loving father though not having skills to bring up a special child.

Before elopement my brother was thinking of taking her to Islamabad for psychiatric treatment and this has also been placed on court record. Yesterday she accepted guardianship of her maternal grandfather but today she back tracked and insisted on being sent home with her imaginary husband before finally agreeing to go with her father. She is unable to understand that the court has declared her marriage null and void and allowed her to go home. She narrates all the true stories about the kidnapping to her mother but does the opposite in the court. She does not understand the consequences of her statements in which she involves at least 3 police personnel to have fed her with words to be spoken in the court which she reproduces like a parrot again and again in response to every question.

The comments of Zia ur Rehman are highly offensive and do not deserve any comment. These have been made in bad taste. I do not know him but I respect his views as Voltair would say “ I do not agree with what you say but I will defend your right to say it “. On the question of ownership let me quote from the General Will of JJ Rousseau that by subscribing to common ownership you subscribe to your own ownership because you are part of the General Will.

As a Chitrali I expected some solace and consolation from another Chitrali, but instead I get stones thrown at my face. Let me inform my friend Zia ur Rehman that this is the first case of abduction in my college as compared to many in other institutions and I have turned my pain into an opportunity to rid the society of un -islamic and cruel customs. I consider all the Chitrali girls as my daughters and there is a lot to be learnt from the example of Naila. I expect some appreciation and support for what I am doing. It is not important who says it rather it is important that what is being said. Everybody has a right to hate me but nobody should do it at the cost of burring the truth and depriving the people of understanding the realities of life in Chitral.

In view of the above facts when decks have been heavily tilted against me I was left with no option except to disarm the opponents by exposing them in the media. The names have not been invented by me. I have only reported what I heard in the court room and side rooms where the pre-teens were being given counseling to make them understand the situation. I salute the independent judiciary for coming to my rescue and saving the life of my niece. I am grateful to all my friends ,relatives and acquaintances for sharing our pain.

My family cannot thank Allah enough for giving us courage to bear the pain and find ways to overcome the grief. I am proud of my children specially my son and all my nephews and nieces for standing behind me like a rock. This is what family values are all about. We may have short comings but at the end of the day the character stood out. Through her example Naila has taught many lessons to Chitralis. She has awakened them from their deep slumber and taught them the real meaning of honour and human dignity which is beyond time and space. Allah may have chosen her to show the mirror image of what we Chitralis have made of ourselves i.e hiding heads in the sand like ostriches or performing burial rites for the eloped ones in case they are incapable of honor killing. --Islamuddin, garam chashma Chitral, 12 Nov 2011

Comment 12

With reference to the recent report of Mr. Islamuddin and last prefigured wicked emerging phenomena in this valley and the comments on it, I would rather to say that “we read and repeat the history but don’t understand it” bearing, therefore, the consequences again and again.

Each society rests on the spiritual foundation where the rights enjoyed by men are created, recognized and protected by society itself but the unconcern of few to the very societal norms in social life harms the social fabric and decent culture of Chitral very much. All wrongdoer and malefactors, as writer has mentioned, if responsible should be socially, morally and legally be punished for the purpose of redressing this menace occurring again. The need of the time is “to make the hay while the sun shines” to dig out the factors responsible for this uncultured and immoral acts.

One reason I would generalize is that handful people of our chitral are oriented to the materialistic inclination more, therefore, do and decide every thing in materialistic terms sacrificing everything for material savings, ultimately do cleavages in the cultural boundaries of our society, relationships, ownership and belongingness with co-existence. Second factor of this scribe I think is the western media war and cultural imperialistic designs and adverse impacts have compressed and hanged fresh mentality of the youth because we have been proved to be very susceptible. We therefore, should plan how to use media, society and Institutions purposefully to face this challenge in society for common cultural preservation. -- Alhaj Muhammad Khan, Charun, Chitral 13 Nov 2011

Comment 13

With all my respect for Mr. Islamuddin and his comments on my previous article on the sujbect, I would like to add more thoughts to the discussion for readers' reflection.

Mr. Islamuddin's second article/response raises more questions than addressing the comments/arguements made by a number of honourable writers including myself. His new discovery of the girl been a "psychic" having genetic problem is not only surprising but shocking. He never mentioned this in his first article that the girl had any mental disorder which has led her to take this step. I find it difficult to believe for two reasons: a) had the girl been a psychic, it would have been mentioned by the honourable writer and it would have given a different meaning to the story; b) the fact that the girl studies at Grade 7 as a normal student at an English Medium School means she has no mental disorders. Otherwise she would not have made it to Grade 7. We all know that psychic children cannot compete with normal children in a general school. Such children can only study in special schools.

I also respectfully disagree with the honourable writer that the girl was "kidnapped", but rather eloped at her own will. The fact that she does not want to return to her parent home reveals that she was not kidnapped. and the thrid thing, as mentioned by Imran Khan, is that the respected writer keeps adding people to his list who he thinks are responsible for this incident. He has already blamed many individuals and institutions including Police, Council, and others. He has now blamed the doctors for forging the medical report. My only arguement is that how come all these respectable professionals are corrupt and only the writer is right and pious? Why would the doctors, the police, the minister, and the council would go against the writer? -- Zia-ur-Rehman,Peshawar University 14 Nov 2011.

Comment 14

The injudicious decision of two minors is understandable up to some extent. But the criminal and disappointing role of the elders who were involved in solemnization is really shocking and unacceptable. Thanks to court decision for declaring the process null and void. We hope, the court will also make accountable all those who were directly or indirectly involved in this unethical, illogical and criminal activity.

@ Zia-u-Rehman.
Highlighting the issue in media on the cost of his own family fame speaks volumes about the courage of the writer. Since this is not something for publicity, obviously the only motive is to highlight and share the very grave issue with publics and fighting against those who plays role and facilitate such unethical events again and again. Giving opinion is of course your right. But this doesn’t mean you sitting at Peshawar should back those who were willfully and criminally let the event been happened. My friend just imagines the miseries of concerned family. If this could happened to Islamuddin today, given the mentality of people like you this is not far too happen to anybody tomorrow. You know two wrong don’t make a right. If you have not enough courage to call a spade a spade and console the writer, than you even has no right to dictate him what to do and don’t to do.

Islamuddin is a committed and courageous son of this valley. He sacrificed his prestigious job to serve the society where he was grown up. This newspaper is witness for his courageous voice against corruption, fraud, favoritism and nepotism and the many other important social issues. Perhaps this is his only fault, why the corrupt mafia left no chance in bashing and maligning him. The writer has rightly counted the tactics which were used against him. But for every such criminal encounter he either pardoned the opponents or acted according to rule of law. Enough is enough. Targeting and maligning a respectable person by some way or the others must come to an end now. Otherwise he knows very well how to tackle with these elements.

I personally know many of the brilliant sons of this valley who are either living abroad or in different metropolis of the country. We are proud of them and respect them all. The million dollar question is that who will sacrifice his job, hefty package, comfortable life, and want to live with us in the remote valley of Garam Chashma and serve the community? Given the sacrifices of Mr.Islamuddin in view, and the response he is getting from society there is no chance my question gets answered sooner or later -- Nisar Ahmad Shah, Garam Chashma 14 Nov 2011.

Comment 15
I wonder what kind of animosity Zia-ur- Rehman has with Mr.Islamuddin. As a teacher working under him I have found him to be a man with sterling qualities of head and heart. Intellectual jealousy may be common but there are limits and genuine peoples do not cross limits of decency. As a teacher I have taught Naila as well as Suhrab, mentally deranged son of Shamsia, the woman who master minded and arranged elopement of Naila with her nephew. We had to promote both of them on the insistence of their parents who used to say that their children will become more problematic and unmanageable if they are not promoted and each time they promised that next time their children would do better .

Our job is not only to teach but also to save lives. Some time we do promote problem children on the urgings of parents. Many times we advised Shamsia and also parents of few other children including Naila’s to withdraw them but they refused and requested us to keep them in the school. Being a community based school we can not disregard parental wishes. It is instructive that one month before the abduction Shamsia withdrew her son from the school which shows that the abduction was pre planned. Given this situation mentioning names was necessary to pre-empt further damage. Helpless people need support from media and judiciary to get their problems redressed when the perpetrators are powerful and connected.

I hope being a Muslim Zia-ur-Rehman knows Islamic injunctions about marriage. Hazrat Ayesha has reported the Prophet to have said that a woman entering puberty can be given in marriage only with the approval of her father (Wali). Even adults can be stopped from marriage by the Wali if the match is found to be not compatible. Marriage under Islamic law is a nullity without Wali’s consent and consummation of such a marriage will be dealt with according to that law (stoning to death). As the kids under reference are minors, the punishment will be given to abettors. I don’t think Zia-ur- Rehman wants to be an abettor.

Zia-ur- Rehman should not forget that governance in Pakistan is fast collapsing and office holders give no attention to public problems. If somebody dares to check the telephone numbers and visitors of police stations and the hospital on the given dates they will be surprised to know who called and why? I may be wrong but if public opinion means something and perception is powerful than reality, we can not brush this assumption aside given our social context and the way powerful people behave to show off their power to impress relatives and opponents alike.-- Humera, Garam Chashma Chitral, 14 Nov 2011

Comment 16

Mr. Zia ur Rahman sahib,  surprised to hear that many respectable professional declared as corrupt by Mr. Islamuddin. Very funny! Is it not a corruption to brain wash a pre teenager girl for not changing her statement, as done by a police man? Is it not a corruption that as being the president of the council a person is quite on a social problem arose in his community? Is it not a corruption that a doctor declared the pre teenager as 17 year old? I m waiting for your answer.

All those persons, whose names have been taken by Islamuddin, have committed a sin and committed a crime too. It is the kindness of Mr. Islamuddin that he did not open a case of defaming against them.

At the end I want to say that the corrupt mafia could not digest the developments in Pamir College therefore they intermix the personal issue of the honorable principal with the affairs of the institution. -- Zakaria Ayobi, Beshqeer Garam Chashma 15 Nov 2011.

Comment 17

With due respect to the author I would like to share my opinion by going through all the responses and articles about the elopement case. I was shocked when I read the article about the case. It is indeed something to be condemned by all of us and try to put an end to such happenings in future because such type of cases are being happening usually in our society. What makes this case unique from others is the age of the boy and the girl who are still in their teens. I think they are not mature enough to decide about what is good or bad for them. But I don’t understand the logic of the writer in publishing this news and randomly blaming people and institutions. Being an educated person he could have discussed the social problem, its causes and its remedies. By going through the article, the first thing which came to mind was that the writer wanted to gain unnecessary attention of the public rather then going into the depth of the problem and solving it. By randomly blaming people and institutions he tries to show that our whole system is dysfunctional. I don’t defend any person or institution but but he could have used other alternatives to address it.
I was amazed to read Humera that she admits that they were aware of the situation going on in school. As she describes, “Many times we advised Shamsia and also parents of few other children including Naila’s to withdraw them but they refused and requested us to keep them in the school. Being a community based school we can not disregard parental wishes. It is instructive that one month before the abduction Shamsia withdrew her son from the school which shows that the abduction was pre planned”. Teachers must have the courage to deal with pressure from the society and decide for the benefit of all. I think if they really knew the case, they could have separated both students from school or have taken other measures according to the situations. But Humera lucidly mentions that being a community based school, they were not able to do that. Who on earth say that a community based school can’t decide against parents will? School must teach ethnics and values to its students rather than promoting such thing by not taking action against them. If all other means had failed, separation of these students would have been an example for all others in the society. And anyone else would have thought hundred times before taking such step.-- Asad Chitrali, Virtual University, Karachi, 15 Nov 2011.

Comment 18

I feel sorry for both families in Garam Chashma, Chitral, Pakistan for this terrible incident. First of all, nobody can blame the parents, teachers, or institutions for any misconduct done by teens or pre-teens. It is a silly age, and children need mentoring at all times. Now, both Sohrab and Naila need moral support from all of us, and they need counseling as well. Secondly, parents never want their children to be a bad guy in the streets.

Unfortunately, it happened in Brep Begust far away from their parents. Few irresponsible people supported the youngsters and put both families in trouble. Finally, it is our moral responsibility to discourage this kind of illegal activity. Unfortunately, an illiterate ex-councilor Mr. Abdur Rahim, Aga Khan Girls School teacher Mr. Badshah Gul and a public servant Sobedar Nazur Ban Shah got involved in that illegal activity, but they are safe from court of law and law enforcement agencies. Surprisingly,

 Mr. Zia-ur-Rehman from Peshawar University is also supporting that illegal marriage through electronic media. In brief, we need to discourage the youth elopement by punishing the adult supporters who help youngsters in getting married without their parents’ permission. I appreciate Senior Civil Judge Chitral for getting involved in this case, but he needs to bring those people who are responsible for that illegal marriage to the court of law.-- Nazir Chitrali, Chitral, 15 Nov 2011.

Comment 19
I feel sorry for both families in Garam Chashma, Chitral, Pakistan for this terrible incident. First of all, nobody can blame the parents, teachers, or institutions for any misconduct done by teens or pre-teens. It is a silly age, and children need mentoring at all times. Now, both Sohrab and Naila need moral support from all of us, and they need counseling as well. Secondly, parents never want their children to be a bad guy in the streets. Unfortunately, it happened in Brep Begust far away from their parents.

Few irresponsible people supported the youngsters and put both families in trouble. Finally, it is our moral responsibility to discourage this kind of illegal activity. Unfortunately, an illiterate ex-councilor Mr. Abdur Rahim, Aga Khan Girls School teacher Mr. Badshah Gul and a public servant Sobedar Nazur Ban Shah got involved in that illegal activity, but they are safe from court of law and law enforcement agencies. Surprisingly, Mr. Zia-ur-Rehman from Peshawar University is also supporting that illegal marriage through electronic media. In brief, we need to discourage the youth elopement by punishing the adult supporters who help youngsters in getting married without their parents’ permission. I appreciate Senior Civil Judge Chitral for getting involved in this case, but he needs to bring those people who are responsible for that illegal marriage to the court of law.-- Nazir Khan, Canada 15 Nov 2011.

Comment 20

It is a highly touched, disappointing and painful to know about recent act of elopement of pre-teens in ‘Garamchasma’velly. But the most painful as I felled is, its publicity in open media by our respectable writer Mr. Islamudin. Few his supporter have commented in his support, even has tried to boost the pain not only to me, but to whole people of our valley.

Father of eloped girl was my teacher when I was in my school. I respect him more than that of my parent. He was one of my favorite teachers. What am I at this stage: all my positive aspects and achievements: the credit of all these goes to this respectable teacher. He gave us the way of discipline and education. A student has to spend almost 8 hrs with their teacher, and only teachers are role model for a student discipline and attitude. If a student could got discipline and knowledge at home, their would no need to send him/her to school. What a confident, these two teens have taken to take this kind of bold step entirely goes in favour of their teacher, as teacher are role model.

Science says, if an individual come across an abrupt change (stimulus) of his sensation, it will definitely cause strange reaction (reflex action) of that individual. In Chitral we have our unique custom, tradition, hospitality and way of life. If a child has strictness to follow our traditional life at home, suddenly meet an advance environment in school, ultimately causes such out come.

My respectable writer Islamuddin, no doubt is highly educated, intellectual and dedicated personality. I respect him, but I disagree few of his management activities.

Human is a social animal, can slowly adapt to new environment. If one can try to adapt them abruptly in a new environment, it will cause one of these two out come. First may be the adaptation can not be successful and existence of human become endanger. Secondly such kind of event and reaction will emerge which would be beyond of our imagination. This scenario of teen elopement is because of abrupt adaptation.
 

Our writer is highly educated personality, having an exposure of different social interaction and knows better what is true or wrong for a society. Our honorable writer has provided such an advance environment to the students in his school (which our writer has said, my school) abruptly, that student did not find time for slow adaptation. But the result came to us in strange way like this happened an elopement of teens. Mature students in Graduation level of this institution have separate classes compared to teenagers of school which have same class for both boys and girls. According to medical point of view, students’ upto class 12 must have separate classes for boys and girls.

There is no need to blame other to have involved in this case. Boy’s parents and his relatives also have the same suffering of pain. No body will welcome such a bed deed in a well civilized society. A highly educated person who knows not only politics, social status, physiology, illiteracy, living standard of people but also science and philosophy, if blame other in an open media, and found no coherence what he said in his previous article and again providing a different picture in his re -writing to Chitral news, as Zia-u- Rehman has tried to teach our such educated personality, than we should weep on the luck of that society, whose well educated personality has this sort of narrow vision.  -- Aftab Khan Research Officer KMC Peshawar 15 Nov 2011.

Comment 21

Lots of appreciation to the independent judiciary for processing the case so rapidly and fairly despite of useless efforts in different forms to interrupt and push it towards another direction. I salute the judge for his untiring and daring service. How complicated the case was being made in every stage creating confusions in the teen`s age, her medical report and et but at the end of the day he stood for the truth. He felt the pain of Naila`s parents and relatives. Above all he realised the brutality done to the innocent girl. Kudos!! Once again. This is a lesson to be learned by other judges in the judiciary setup.

Naila is back to life and I congratulate the family for having her safely. It was a ridiculous plan to destroy her life and deprive her parents of their love But it badly failed.The chapter will not close and proper satisfaction will not be achieved unless the masterminds behind this scandal be punished to the extent of their acts. This can not only heal the injuries of Naila and her family but can also serve as a lesson for others in chitral valley.

This is a true story and whatever Mr.Islamuddin trying to tell us is based on reality. Indeed according to Naila she was being pressurized and threatened by the police constables while in their custody, the lady Shamsia misguiding her and etc. Also according to Naila`s father the FIR at Garam Chashma police station was not immediately lodged. Everybody is aware of the fact that the medical report was intentionally being delayed and at last when it was issued the date of birth mentioned was fake according to which she was 17 but in reality she is not even 13.All these minor examples reveal the improper, corrupt and fraudulent system existing in our police department, health department and other social setups.The should have realised their responsibilities and above all the expectations of the community. Those of my friends who consider this either wrong publicity of one`s family or pointing fingers on someone or the article being against the manners are simply crazy or have not gone through with the intention to read and understand the whole situation instead got an opportunity to defame the writer`s view. they too got rotten eggs on your faces. Anyway their views should be respected and appreciated as everyone got the right of speech. I would suggest all of them to show a bit of responsibility and maturity.

I agree with the view of Nisar that Islamuddin is serving the people of his region at the cost of his highly prestigious government job and luxurious life in the capital city of Pakistan.His basic objective is the prosperity and success of the upcoming generation removing all the negative elements existing in our society even in this era. He don’t need any appreciation or reward from anybody. He is not being paid for whatever he is doing .He don’t have any personal benefit behind these activities. He just want to see a well-mannered and disciplined society. This is what he is struggling for through the electronic media and by arranging various seminars throughout Chitral.I am really surprised that people are so ignorant that they even can`t think for a second before saying something that does not make any sense and is completely illogical. --Shareef khan,Toronto Canada 15 Nov 2011.
 

Comment 22
It we keep the same thinking of hiding our heads in the sand or favoring others for our personal motives, our society is never going to be better. Zia-ur-Rehman and a couple of others seem to have some hidden motives in this case. I don’t think, by bring up this incident, Mr. Islamuddin is trying to get public votes for his election. He is simply trying to wake chitralies up, so they can see with open eyes what has happened and has been happening for a decade or so, and every new incident opens doors for another one. Binding two under aged kids in a marital contract is worse in every aspect. What they could do for their life? How they would survive? What they would if they would go to Dubai? Chitralies must know the answers of these questions before making any big decision. Marriage is not a game, it’s a lifelong decision and must be done with an active mind. Our elders are liable to guide the children if they do not fulfill the requirements. In this particular case, our elders, so-called leaders failed to do so.
I personally salute the Civil Judge of Chitral by not getting into the influence of mafia, who wanted to alter this case of abduction. I call it abduction because in our Chitral every lady who is our mother’s age is believed to be like our mother, the mentioned aunt of the boy has pretty much seduced the girl to elope with her nephew. Chitrali children are taught to respect their elders in the society and listen to their suggestions. In contrast, people in the cities do not allow their children to not talk to strangers even he or she seems to be very loving. I guess it is time for Chitralies to teach their children the opposite face of our society. Where figures like mother’s age and father’s age are actually can be abductors.
What was the intention of Begusht people including U.C Nazim and Ismaili Council president when they refused to send the girl home with her uncle? Ok, we understand that the children made a mistake but how about the elders? We as Chilralies request the honorable judge to punish those who are involved in unlawful ritual and forced consummate of this null marriage. Chitralies should not hesitate to punish those people even if they are in so-called well respected fields. If this will not be stopped, the innocent people will be suffered.
Corruption is a wide spread curse in our government as well as in respected professions. How did the medical board declare the girl’s age to be 17yrs old while her parents have been married for 15 yrs. If this is not corruption, then what is it? Why was the medical report delayed? What kind of sophisticated medical equipments have been used to determine her age. Given the situation of Chitral hospital they have no right to say anyone’s exact age.
Therefore, Zia-ur-Rehman and a couple of others, if you are the speakers for people involved answer some of the questions asked by other writers and myself. Give the reasons of refusing to send the girl home with her father and threatening him with a gun, and keeping someone’s child for one night. What was the reason that police did not bring the girl home? Why the police took that long to register the FIR? -- Mir Wali Nicosia Cyprus 15 Nov 2011.

Comment 23

I have been reading the article and comments, also surprised by the writers who are writing in favour of the under age marriage. The question comes to my mind again and again is how some people living in Begust get under age girl and boy married without THEIR PARENTS PERMISSION . They could have informed their parents about their kids. But they did not do so. HOW DARE ,HOW DARE them. And then they refuse to give the daughter back to his father. Who are you abdurrahim , badshah or nazurban shah and other villagers involved in the solemnization to get some one’s underage daughter and son married (which is not a legal marriage in the eye of law)and then refusing to give back the girl. And then using pressure on doctors and declaring the girl 17, when her are parents are married for 15 years. What a shame for the doctors and involved party. This calls getting rotten eggs on face. then closing the college to draw people attention from the real issue, speaks volume of their sins, and clear cut indication and that these people are the criminals. People who tried to close the college and haress the students, should better understand that pamir is a community college, not your personal property.

I congratulate the family on getting their daughter back. But this should not be the end of the story. These culprits(abdur rahim,badshah gul, nazurban shah, nikah khawn and other involved) should be taught a lesson , which they would remember for taking law in their hands. And what to say about council president , he has always been a stigma for ismaili council, and bring bad name to council and His Highness. Interestingly badshah gul is the next president for ismaili council nominated by the current presdint mr. amir wali. What a pity for the council.

For mr. ziaurehman and other like minded , people like you are the kinds, who are in favour of offering burrail rites for the eloped couples , and forgive them later on. we cant except something positive from people like you.

And what a shame for police department and government health department for bringing bad name to their department ,and for being dishonest with their profession. They should also be strictly punished. -- Sofia, Karachi 16 Nov 2011.

Comment 24

In general this is not a single family issue like, Islamuddin, it is a big growing and challenging issue for all Chitralies. As we see, the number of elopement cases increasing day to day and they have been hidden from the media or have no access to the media so public is not aware of them by some reasons. Eventually, who is responsible to prevent such unethical activities? Unfortunately some of my friends are encouraging the people who are directly and indirectly involved in this case and creating more confidence in them with different shapes. Remember by doing that you are destroying the coming youth generations instead of guiding them for the better education.
My question is why the civil society, religious leaders and other government agencies are not asking the responsible people to taking part in such shameful activities?

The law should ask and take immediate action against the involved people. I appeal to the independent organizations like human rights and save the children org to help out and prevent such activities and punish the master mind of this pre-planned case.

Let me tell one thing to my friend Aftab that if the co-education would be the cause of the elopement then this case wouldn't be the first case of that particular school. The big responsible of this problem are our elders and the leaders of chitral who support and have been supporting these kinds of incidence. There must have some strict kind of punishment to those supporters, so they wouldn’t think of the support next time for any such activities. It should be discouraged by all institutions, councils and leaders -- -- Mir Wali Raz, Nicosia Cyprus 16 Nov 2011.

Comment 25

After reading these all comments i will ask a simple question who are in favour of this illegal solemnization of marriage of teens. What would be their response if such incidence would happen to them in their family? what would the do?

Before this, there were so many such incidences happened but we keep quite and encourage our youngsters. Now every one has become bold and courageous because they all know that no one is going to do anything with them and very soon their parents allow them to visit them. So it is my very humble request to every one to blame such causes.... So that we can save our future of our youngsters.--  Brishna Syed Rustam,, Karachi. 17 Nov 2011.

Comment 26

This is technology era and now a day’s media is too fast that no news is being missed by the normal public. Last few days back I just saw news about the child or under age marriage in Garam Chasma valley, it was shocking news for me as well for every Chitrali and Pakistani but this was not the first time which is going to happen. We had two cases seen one month back in the history here in Karachi but that were not shocking like this one because here both the cases parties were of legal age to marry each other after run away from their homes and the shocking element for Chitrali’s was that, that the both males were non Chitrali and the both girls were unluckily Chitrali.
Those above mentioned cases were highlighted because both the girls were students and we are running a student platform so I think it’s our duty to watch each and every Chitrali student during his or her academic year not only in education sector but also in other sectors as well. I just saw the child marriage case of Garam Chasma and personally talked with each and every body that I know personally through phone calls, seeing all the facts and figures about the teenager’s marriage case of Garam Chasma valley being a neutral side observer and an honorary writer on human rights, I would like to add my views to the public knowledge that they can easily differentiate between the black and the white.
Let me clear to each and every one that I am not going to blame any individual or to target any one, so I am not going to take any bodies name and also would like to clear you that these facts or really taste bitter so just stay calm and don’t hesitate.
As far as this case is concerned that both the kids are teens or underage and they even do not fulfill their legal age criteria to marry each other in any cost.
I am going to disclose and would like to put a light on some facts and looking forward to published this article without any changes and this is my warm request to the media personnel’s that , as media is independent and neutral so kindly publish these facts as they are in nature and kindly don’t try to change or to be under pressure due to political bodies or being black mailed by any individual or group, again and again warm request to media to play their role as a neutral and independent body due to which we would be able to find out the facts and figures finally because it would be once own observation and finding the other would like to think in another way but I am quite sure that I would be able to give answer to each and every questions if feedback or queries came from viewers side.
The above mentioned case is a question mark on each Muslim and as well as Chitrali nation, today it happened with one individual or family but tomorrow or near in future will happen with another family, so we have to raise up against such law forbidding bodies and their supporters at any cause if we are true patriot. It is a serious social issue facing day by day and its ratio is increasing daily so be calm think smarter and work smarter to find out possible solution for such unlawful activities and this is the time to have a possible solution in favor of both parties rather to blame each other because already the water is gone through beneath the bridge and there is no way to set it back.
If we call our self true Pakistani then we will obviously follow the rules, regulations and law of our country, if we just see the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 (xix of 1929) then this law states that,

In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,
(a) "Child" means a person who, if a male, is under eighteen years of age, and if a female, is under sixteen years of age;
(b) "Child marriage” means a marriage to which either of the contracting parties is a child;
(c) “Contracting party” to a marriage means either of the parties whose marriage is or is about to be thereby solemnized
(d) "Minor” means person of either sex who is under eighteen years of age,
(e) "Union Council” means the Union Council or the Town Committee constituted under the Law relating to Local Government for the time being in force.
After a short look on the Child Marriage law of Pakistan once can easily say that, this is no marriage or null marriage, because the male party is of age 16 and the female party is of age 12 and moving towards her thirteen soon, which is already provided by the female party to the court in the form of Nadra data entry form B, Birth certificate, School certificate and Nikkah Certificate of the females parents.
So it is too much easy to decide that the doctors were paid with a huge amount to shut their month and to show both the married parties as of legal age.
Under the same act of 1929 it is also stated in sub section that in such minors marriage the parties or bodies who helped or provided assistance to have such marriage or also be treated law forbidding bodies and are equally charged and sent to jail and also to give fine as well in the form of money.
Second is that being a neutral observer of this case I would easily say that the court is going on its right track and we are proud to have an independent, qualified and trust worthy judiciary, who can handle each and every situation without any pressure and blackmailing and going in an efficient way to take necessary actions against the wrong doer and their supporters.
I used the word support above because from political parties to doctors, from police to Ismaili council appointees, all joined hands with each other to have an illegal success in this case, it seems to be a joint venture and a pre planned team work against one educated and socially well mannered family.
We can’t forget the history that, in the early days all these bodies tried their level best to harm the educated and civilized bodies, they even burn his home into ashes and attempt few laws forbidding act in the history and rather to be ashamed they are going to attempt several more illegal acts and revenge.
I myself heard about those bodies in the past and they are drawn to the court and police station in the past, which is nothing new for them and all those bodies behind this case are just like the fingers of one hand.
I belong to upper Chitral Torkhow but respect Mr. Islamuddin and his noble family and know them very well for a decade, he and his family should be proud not only in front of Garam Chasma public but as well in front of Chitrali nation to devote his quarter of life to develop and educate Chitrali youth who are now a day’s became doctors, engineers and are in much bigger designations inside the country as well as in the foreign as well and enjoying prosperous life worldwide. I personally know Mr. Islamuddin very well, he is man of courage, honest, straight forward, hardworking, polite and devoted with his duties, if he were full of corruption then he should have billions of valued lands today through illegal resources and act but not like that because he served the nation in scale 22 in the government when he was in Islamabad and also visited large number of countries as official trip. My warm request to the whole public to raise up against the corrupt and law forbidding bodies as soon and don’t let those lizards to become crocodile.
At last I would like to thanks all the individuals and families on the behalf of our association and each and every Chitrali Students, who provided some facts to me and also would like to thanks every individual for their nice views and information about daily update about this case and specially would like to thanks and solute the judiciary to stand in front of such law forbidding bodies like a cliff and remained neutral till now. -- Syed Fida Ali Shah Fidai University of Karachi

Comment 27

Reference to original article of Mr. Islamuddin and subsequent comments, I would like to share my surprise that everybody is trying to highlight a non-issue rather the actual issue i.e elopement (non-issue) rather than Under-age Marriage (actual issue).

According to Pakistani Law and Islamic Teachings the only two parties who should agree to make a legal and halal marriage are the girl and the boy (parent’s approval is not mandatory). That’s the sole basis of court marriages in all over the country. However the important issue is that both the girl and the boy shall be mature enough to make a legal marriage and the "mature enough" phrase has been explained to be 18 years of age. Any under-age marriage, be it elopement or with the will of parents of both parties is null and void in the eyes of the Law and religion.

Underage marriages are on a rise in Chitral and that is the real issue. Young girls need to be educated that nobody could possibly marry them off before they turn 18 and if parents/guardians marry them off before that age they can be imprisoned for 7 years in rigorous prison. It is the responsibility of the community in general and police and judiciary in particular that these marriages are annulled and the culprits are brought to justice. Nobody should have the courage to even think of marrying off his daughter before she comes of age.

My dear readers, the issue here is not the Elopement, Co-Education, who planned the elopement, why it was highlighted in the media or anything else. The issue is, were the people who solemnized the marriage so ignorant of the Laws and Religion that they didn’t bother to think before committing a crime. Key decisions to make here are:

1) All of them, including all other parents in the whole of Chitral who dare to marry off their young daughters (before 18) should be sentenced to rigorous imprisoned for 7 years according to the Law.

2) Efforts should be made to educate parents and particularly young girls about their right in choosing a life partner in accordance with Shariah and Laws of the Land. -- Farooq Faizi, Islamabad, 17  Nov 2011.
 

Please note that further debate on the subject has been closed
 

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