The allegedly kidnapped and converted girl Chanda Maharaaj will undergo medical test to ascertain her age, as per orders of the court.
Hyderabad
Sindh Minister for Women and Development Department Ms. Shahla Raza said on Monday that most of the cases surface through social media, as the parents are unwilling to disclose cases of child marriages.
“The illiteracy and lack of awareness were also major causes of child marriages,” she said and vowed to extend all legal and logistic support for destitute women who are victim of different kinds of violence in the society.
During routine visit to Darul Aman, Qasimabad and while talking to newsmen, she said that Darul Aman and Safe House were playing their due role to provide all basic facilities.
Talking about child marriages, she said that parents were often involved to hide the cases and do not timely reveal the kidnapping of a girl which also creates hindrance in addressing the issues. She however said that the department works round the clock to provide shelter and legal assistance to the victims.
During media talk, to a query regarding the case of Chanda Maharaaj, who was allegedly kidnapped and forcedly converted to Islam, the minister said that her case was being heard in the court and the girl has been provided with legal assistance.
Shehla Raza added that her medical test is going to take place on the orders of court and it would make clear whether the girl is minor or not. “We would respect the court decision in this case,” she said.
Ms. Reshma Thebo, In charge of Safe House, lawyer Rehana Gujjar and Ashique Hussain Kalhoro, Deputy Director Women Development, Hyderabad were also present on the occasion. (PR)
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