Forced marriage of minor girl prevented in Faryab

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): The Department of Vice and Virtue and Complaints has thwarted forced marriage of a 14-year-old girl to a 70-year-old man in the Gurziwan district of northern Faryab province, an official said on Monday.

Information and Culture Director Maulvi Shamsuddin Mohammadi said the minor girl from Tagabshan village approached the Department of Vice and Virtue and Complaints, stating that her father was arranging her marriage without her consent.

“She urged the officials to intervene and safeguard her legal and religious rights,” Mohammadi explained. “In response, the department summoned both parties and explained the Islamic rights of women in marriage, inheritance, and respectful treatment.”

He added that as a result of the intervention, both parties expressed regret and pledged to act in accordance with Islamic teachings.

The forced marriage was successfully averted, he concluded.

kk/ma