Another Case of Conversion: Married Hindu Girl Remarried in Pak

The girl was forcibly remarried to a 56-year-old man in Katayari village, Pakistan.

At least 1,000 Pakistani girls are forced into Muslim marriages annually. (Photo: Reuters)

A jirga (traditional assembly of leaders) forcibly remarried a married Hindu girl to a 56-year-old man in Katayari village, Pakistan, reported Dawn on Friday.

Wadia Bai Meghwar married her cousin Suresh in a Karachi court on 4 May, 2016.

A few days later, however, a member from a notable Muslim family took Wadia from their home, promising to marry the couple in a traditional wedding.

“But instead of handing her to me, her brother Gayanchand Meghwar married her off to an old man,” said Suresh.

Wadia was then remarried to Chetan Meghwar, who is believed to be 56 years old.

Responding to the incident, police officials have assured an inquiry into the matter.

The girl’s brother and other relatives have been arrested in a raid on Friday, and an investigation into the matter is underway.

Mithi Bilawal Haq Mehar, DSP

The report also mentions that local activists have demanded a probe into the jirga, asking for severe action against all those involved under the recently enacted Hindu Marriage Act.

According to a report by the Movement for Solidarity and Peace in Pakistan published by Asian Human Rights Commission, around 1,000 Pakistani girls are forced into Muslim marriages and made to convert to Islam annually.