The government has taken a historic decision by banning dowry in Pakistan. The ministry of religious affairs did this declaration in Islamabad by making Pakistan one of the first Muslim country-banning dowry. The law has been passed and should be implemented in all the provinces of Pakistan. As dowry is banned in Pakistan, let us dig into some of the details related to it.
Dowry and Its History
A dowry is the combination of goods or money that is given by the bride’s family to the groom or his family upon marriage. It mainly consists of jewels, precious metals, home furnishings, money, land property, etc.
It is an ancient custom, practiced around the world in which the exchange of parental giving is done upon a daughter’s marriage. In many cultures, it is expected to demand dowry as a condition for acceptance of the marriage proposal. This tradition is still in practice in Northern Africa, some areas of Asia, and Europe.
However, this tradition has decreased with the time that is no longer common in urban areas, and developed countries. It will be a good development if the dowry is banned in Pakistan. Will it happen is the main question. We just have to wait and hope it becomes a reality.
In ancient times, its substantial amount could aid to escalate the desirability of a woman for marriage. Men would possibly ponder on a marriage proposal that has a potentially higher amount of estimated dowry to build the wealth and power of their own family. In the culture of Ancient Rome, the father needed to provide it according to his means to every daughter. If in certain cases, the father were unable to do it then a relative or family friend would offer help on arranging it on his behalf.
Consequences of Dowry System
A huge amount of financial and social pressure is placed from the groom’s family on the bride’s family specifically in south Asian traditions that demand dowry. A bride’s worth is often connected with the amount of her dowry. This practice has been considered as a reason for female infanticide in some of the largest world population countries such as India and China. Families are afraid and negligent in raising girls due to loss or significant wealth due to this system.
This impact has similar consequences in Pakistan where some parents are committing suicide due to the pressure and inability to provide it resulting in unwed daughters. In Pakistan, the details of this system are even documented in the marriage certificate ‘Nikah Nama’. This documentation determines that if the divorce occurs then the bride losses her dowry.
If the dowry is banned in Pakistan, it can change lives for the better.
Dowry is Banned in Pakistan Officially by the Ministry of Religious affairs
A breakthrough and historic decision has been taken by the government of Pakistan by passing a law to impose a ban on the dowry system all over the country. The ministry of religious affairs has declared that dowry is banned in Pakistan by making it illegal for the groom to ask for it from the bride’s family. Hence, Pakistan becomes the first Islamic state to impose constraints on this system.
According to some reports, the new law does not completely prohibit the dowry, and it still allows including clothes and bed-sheets only for the bride.
The Uncertainty that Dowry is Banned in Pakistan
The decision taken by the government to impose a ban on dowry in Pakistan has gained appreciation from its local people as well as from around the world. It is still uncertain that what will be the fate of this law concerning its implementation. Let us hope and pray that it is implemented in urban and rural areas according to the law-enforcing authorities.
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