LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Although not traditional high school sweethearts, Alizeh and Qaed, aged 12 and 13 respectively, have entered into an engagement in Lahore. Despite this, their wedding is not anticipated until they reach the legal marriageable age, which is 18 in Sindh and 16 in Punjab province.
The news of their betrothal has caused a stir on the internet in Pakistan, a conservative Muslim society, where some believe that early marriage would shield the young couple from moral transgressions.
Qaed, feeling overwhelmed by academic pressure, sought solace in marriage and convinced his mother to arrange his engagement to 12-year-old Alizeh. His mother supported his decision and proposed the match to Alizeh’s parents, who agreed.
Although attending different schools and not fitting the typical high school sweetheart mold, Cupid’s arrow struck, prompting Qaed to involve his mother in the union.
Fortunately, both families, having married for love themselves, embraced the engagement openly, holding an intimate ceremony. However, misconceptions arose, fueled by viral photos and videos, leading to speculation about an immediate marriage.
In reality, the families had only conducted a private engagement ceremony, with formalities yet to come.
While Qaed eagerly awaits relief from academic stress through the engagement, Alizeh remains somewhat bewildered, admitting her fondness for Qaed but not actively contemplating engagement or marriage.
Despite being a seventh-grader and a year older than Qaed, Alizeh maintains a mature demeanor. She rebukes comments labeling them as “kids getting married,” emphasizing their focus on education.
However, she does express a desire for an iPhone Pro Max as a betrothal gift.
Qaed, albeit slightly disappointed, confirms that marriage is still years away, clarifying that their current status is solely engaged.
The images of Alizeh, particularly in a traditional red dupatta during the engagement, serve as a reminder of the prevalence of childhood marriages in Pakistan’s affluent middle-class families.
UNICEF reports alarmingly high rates of child brides in Pakistan, with approximately 18.9 million affected. Among them, 4.6 million were married before 15 and 18.9 million before 18, shedding light on the issue of underage marriage in the country.
