‘Marriage’ bureau

Monday, May 04, 2009

The Taliban have established a ‘Shoba-e-Aroos’ (wedlock department) in Charbagh in Swat which conducts what basically amounts to forced marriages of girls with the Taliban. The head of Shoba-e-Aroos gives a three-day notice to parents of the girl and they are essentially to bring her for the ‘marriage’ or face dire consequences. Also, your readers may not know this but most suicide bombers are children or boys who are taken from families where parents are usually unwilling to part with them and this is done through coercion.
The Taliban have not defaced Islam, they have also destroyed Pakhtun culture which is known for being hospitable and respectful. But the Taliban have demolished this concept. They deceive, cheat and betray – contrary to the Islamic code of ethics. In the name of talks they hold hostage government officials, police and FC personnel and demand ransom like thugs and kidnappers. They raid mazars of pirs, have desecrated Rehman Baba and Khush-hal Khan Khattak’s tombs and killed spiritual leaders – basically for the sake of looting money from their abodes.

Eschmall Sardar
Peshawar