A recent engagement in Pakistan has sparked a heated debate about child marriages and parental pressures. The young couple, a 13-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl, have become an internet sensation, their story reminiscent of the popular drama “Mayi Ri.” But this isn’t a fictional script; it’s a real-life situation raising concerns about societal norms and their impact on young lives.
The boy’s desire to be engaged, even threatening to abandon his studies if denied, highlights the complexities at play. While some criticize the parents’ decision, it underscores the deeply ingrained cultural significance of marriage in Pakistan.
Facing scrutiny, the couple maintains their intention to finish their education, despite the engagement. The girl’s statement, “We are just getting engaged for now, and we will continue our schooling as well,” attempts to quell concerns about their academic futures.
However, not everyone finds their story romantic. Cricket star Wasim Akram’s wife, Shaniera Akram, slammed the public’s fascination with the case, emphasizing that early marriages should not be admired or romanticized.
