Hindu Students Attacked During Holi Celebration at Punjab University; 15 Injured
15 Hindu students were injured in an alleged attack by IJT activists during a Holi celebration at Punjab University. The attackers used violence against the students despite receiving permission from the university administration.
The injured students protested outside the vice chancellor’s office, where security guards allegedly used force and arrested some of them.
The application for a case against the attackers and security guards was submitted to the police. PU spokesman confirmed that the administration had allowed the celebration in a hall, and disciplinary action would be taken against the involved students.
Bakkakhel Residents Block Road to Protest Lawlessness After Deadly Explosion
The people of Bakkakhel blocked the Bannu-Miranshah road to protest against the prevalent lawlessness in the area.
The demonstration was staged in response to a bomb explosion that killed a young man and injured two others. Tribal elders and youth participated in the protest, expressing concern over the unsafe conditions in Bakkakhel, Janikhel, and Mamandkhel areas. They plan to hold a tribal jirga to discuss their future course of action and demand that the government restore peace and improve law and order in the region.
The protest ended with the burial of the deceased and the reopening of the road to traffic.
Murder suspect allegedly tortured in jail
A murder suspect in Adiala Jail was reportedly tortured, prompting a senior civil judge to order a medical check-up and summon the jail superintendent for an explanation on March 11.
The petition, filed by an advocate, claimed that the suspect was beaten with belts and sticks by jail employees, resulting in head injuries and marks of violence on his body.
The court has also requested testimony from four other prisoners who witnessed the torture. The next hearing is scheduled for March 11.
Federal Shariat Court upholds Sindh’s minimum age for marriage law as per Islamic injunctions
The Federal Shariat Court upheld Sindh’s law on the minimum age for marriage, dismissing a petition challenging the Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act of 2013. The court ruled that the law was in accordance with Islamic injunctions, as it allows reasonable time for girls to complete basic education and develop mental maturity.
The law prohibits marriage for any child under 18 years old in Sindh, with penalties for the male contracting party, the person who solemnizes the marriage, and the parents or guardians.
The court noted that puberty is only one factor necessary for marriage under Islamic law, and financial well-being, health, and mental maturity are also considerations. The court stated that setting a minimum age for marriage is permissible and not mandatory and that the state can set certain minimum thresholds to protect citizens.
