In Pakistan, around 10 million women over the age of 35 remain unmarried
In Pakistan, around 10 million women over the age of 35 remain unmarried, with a prevalent cause linked to the enduring dowry system. Though many of these women desire to marry, financial strains due to dowry demands often hinder their prospects. Rooted in pre-partition traditions, dowry has grown from basic household provisions to high-value items such as cars, jewelry, and expensive furnishings, adding substantial pressure on the bride’s family to meet these demands. The social expectation of dowry, despite being in direct opposition to Islamic teachings, continues to impact marriages across the country.
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The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has yet to implement a strict ban on dowry, although Islam prohibits it and encourages the practice of “Mahr,” a symbolic gift of commitment from the groom to the bride. Islamic teachings emphasize simplicity in marriage, as illustrated by the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) quote: “The woman who has the greatest blessing is the one with the lightest dowry.” However, escalating dowry expectations leave many women unmarried, especially those from financially constrained families. This cultural challenge requires urgent governmental intervention and collective societal support to ensure equality in marriage without financial burdens.
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