PESHAWAR: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Sobia Shahid has submitted a notice to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly, demanding an urgent discussion on the alleged Vani and forced marriage of an 8-year-old girl in Dera Ismail Khan.
In her notice, Shahid highlighted that such incidents are increasing, worsening societal conditions and perpetuating violence against women and girls. She urged the Speaker to allow a debate to formulate concrete measures to prevent such abuses.
What is Vani?
The notice also referenced Vani (or Swara), a controversial tribal custom in rural Pakistan, particularly in KP and Punjab. The term originates from the Pashto word “Vanay” (blood) and involves settling disputes—such as murder, adultery, or debt—by forcibly marrying a minor girl from one family to the opposing party.
Father commits suicide over his daughter’s Vani marriage in DI Khan
The KP Assembly is expected to review the notice soon, with civil society groups pressing for immediate legislative action.
