GARDEZ (SW): A number of communities in Paktia province have agreed upon a set of rules aimed at reducing monetary expenses at weddings.
It is vital to note that in various parts of the country, men are obliged to pay a certain amount of cash, often very high amount, to the bride’s father in return for the marriage. This amount has time and again compelled the youth to seek dangerous routes to foreign lands searching for lucrative jobs, and collecting enough money for the marriage.
Local elders, youth and civil society activists in Paktia province have reportedly moved ahead successfully towards curbing these outdated norms. Amanullah, a resident of Tere district told Salam Watandar that local elders and religious leaders are united against these outdated practices.
Nasrin Oryakhail, director for women affairs department, affirmed that this move has brought positive change in the society. She said that residents of the provincial capital Gardez, Zaho, Ter, Ahmad Aba and Zurmat districts are on the forefront against the evil practice of paying high amount of cash for marriage. She said that the locals have also banned giving away girls for the settlement of feuds.
Abdullah Hasrat, a local civil society activist, said in this regard that the youth now feels no pressure to seek treacherous routes abroad for the sake of earning money for their marriage. It is said that the elders have now limited the wedding costs to around AFN 40, 000, which previously had no limits. Hasrat noted that the move has also helped reduce domestic violence, and it can further lead to more positive changes in the society if implemented in the true spirit.
ENDS
