Protection of converted Kalash girls’ rights underlined

PESHAWAR: The protection of legal and marital rights of the newly converted Kalash girls is the fundamental constitutional responsibility of the state and local administration.

These views were expressed by National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) Chairman Justice (Retired) Ali Nawaz Chohan while briefing the media correspondents after the conclusion of four days official visit to Chitral.

The nikah of the converted Kalash girls must be solemnised only by the government’s approved nikah registrars, who should ensure that all the legal rights of the bride, particularly age

determination, the presence of the wali (guardian)

proper haq mehar (dower) and the right of divorcing the husband are secured in the nikah form.

He appreciated the tolerance and broad mindedness of the Kalash elders who have allowed their women to change religion and get married according to own wishes.

“This reflects the centuries old Kalash custom of gender parity and social equality,” he added.

However, NCHR chairman expressed serious reservations on the reported divorces of Kalash women immediately after their conversion and marriage to Muslim men without any social and financial arrangements for their sustenance. He termed this cruel practice as a grave violation of the rights of the Kalash women.

The NCHR chairman emphasized that the ancient practices of Kalashi society are an invaluable and indispensible part of Pakistan’s culture and heritage.

He said socio-economic welfare of Kalash people must be prioritised to guard, nourish and sustain Kalashi way of life.