Nikah registrars training launched

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Women Development Hameeda Waheed-ud-Din said on Tuesday the Punjab government believes in gender equality and taking measures to eradicate gender discrimination. She was addressing the launching ceremony of “Training of Nikah Registrars and Local Government Officials” here at Town Hall. The ceremony was organised by the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW).
She said a nikah-nama empowers not only a man but also a woman equally. She stressed both man and woman should read it carefully and understand the rights it provides, especially haq mehr, delegated divorce and household expenditures.
Fauzia Viqar, PCSW Chairperson, said the commission would train 47,000 nikah registrars, union council secretaries and chairmen on women’s rights, government initiatives to protect women’s rights, marriage registration and accurate filing of nikah. She elaborated the objectives of the project and how it could empower women through nikah-nama.
“Nikah registrar should inform both parties of a nikah about their rights and responsibilities as mentioned in the nikah-nama,” said Fauzia. The complaints received through PCSW's helpline showed the frequent incidence of early age marriages in Punjab, which could add to financial constraints and social pressure.