Dadu Police Foil Child Marriage, Arrest Groom and Father
Police in Sindh’s Dadu district have stopped an alleged underage marriage and arrested the bridegroom along with his father, officials said on Sunday. The action was carried out within the limits of A-Section police station after authorities received information that a 12-year-old girl was being married off.
According to police officials, the department acted on a tip-off and moved quickly to prevent the marriage ceremony from proceeding. A police team led by SHO Liaquat Ali Sarki conducted the raid and took the minor girl into protective custody to prevent any further attempt to solemnise the marriage.
Officials said the arrested bridegroom was identified as Raja Panhwar, while his father was named as Niaz Panhwar. Police said both were detained during the raid, while further action was initiated against others allegedly involved in arranging or facilitating the marriage.
Police officials stated that a case has been registered under the Child Marriage Act against the bridegroom, the nikahkhwan and the parents of both the bride and the groom. Authorities said the investigation will determine the role of each person named in the case and whether additional suspects need to be arrested.
The incident has again drawn attention to the challenge of child marriage in parts of Pakistan, where poverty, social pressure, weak enforcement and local customs often expose young girls to early marriages. Rights groups have long warned that such marriages can affect education, health, safety and long-term social development.
In Sindh, child marriage is legally prohibited, and authorities have the power to intervene when credible information is received about a minor being married. Police action in such cases is generally aimed at preventing the ceremony, protecting the child and pursuing legal proceedings against those responsible.
The Dadu case is significant because it shows how local law enforcement can act before irreversible harm is done. Officials said the minor was taken into custody for protection, a step meant to ensure she is not pressured again by family members or other parties involved in the attempted marriage.
Child protection cases often require coordination between police, courts, welfare departments and families. Legal action alone may not be enough unless the child’s safety, schooling, counselling and future guardianship arrangements are also addressed through proper institutional follow-up.
For Pakistan, such incidents highlight a broader governance and social reform issue. Preventing underage marriage is not only a legal responsibility but also a public policy challenge linked to girls’ education, health rights, poverty reduction and community awareness.
Police are expected to continue their investigation into the Dadu case and submit further details through the legal process. Authorities may also examine whether the nikahkhwan and family members knowingly proceeded despite the bride’s age, while child protection officials are expected to monitor the minor’s welfare.