It is very difficult for the urban folks to understand how strong the grip local elders enjoy on their surroundings given the pseudo-social structure we still have in many parts of the country.

A latest jirga is another proof of the ground realities, as 24NewsHD TV channel reported that an influential landlord held a gathering near Sarhad – a town bordering Punjab in Ghotki district of Sindh – deciding that a 10-year-old girl would have to marry his mentally-retarded son.

But the jirga held by Imdad Sheikh and Aziz Sheikh didn’t stop there as they also warned the girl’s family of serious consequences with a fine of Rs150,000 in case of refusal.

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What was the reason behind this jirga? Because people were not ready to marry their daughters to Farhan Sheikh because of his condition.

However, Zameeran Sheikh’s family did not accept the decision and have now moved a local court in an attempt to get justice.

Talking about the issue, Zaibunnissa Sheikh – the girl’s mother – said they were being forced and threatened as they were not ready to give away their little girl.

The victim family has also alleged that Deedar Sheikh, Haji Wahid Sheikh, Mehram Ali Sheikh, Ali Hassan Sheikh, Zulfiqar Ali, Mumtaz Ali, Maula Bux Sheikh and other clan members were also part of the decision taken by the influential landlords.

This story was filed by Zafarullah Bhutto for 24NewsHD TV channel from Ghotki.