PESHAWAR – A tragic case of child marriage has emerged from Damarai, Shangla, where a 12-year-old married girl, Salima Bibi, lost her life after allegedly consuming poison.
According to police, Salima had been married six months ago to her 10-year-old cousin, Inamullah. The shocking incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Olandar police station. Station House Officer (SHO) Ali Hussain confirmed that the girl fell critically ill after taking a poisonous substance and later died.
Police arrived at the scene soon after the incident. However, the victim’s mother initially refused to allow a post-mortem examination. Eventually, the body was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Alpuri for medical assessment.
Authorities said the medical report will establish the exact cause of death. It remains unclear whether the married girl took her own life or if foul play was involved. SHO Hussain emphasized that both children were minors, making the marriage unlawful under existing laws.
An investigation has been launched under Section 176 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to determine the circumstances of the girl’s death. Police have confirmed that a case will be registered against the cleric who solemnized the underage marriage, as well as against all witnesses present at the ceremony.
Officials also stated that the parents of both children will face legal action. The case has raised serious questions about the persistence of child marriage in remote areas and the urgent need for stronger enforcement of protective laws.
The death of the married girl has drawn condemnation from rights groups, who are calling for strict accountability and preventive measures to safeguard children from such practices in the future.
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