KP Assembly Takes Up Bill To Formalise Kalash Marriage, Divorce And Inheritance Rules

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly sees major progress on protection of Kalash community family rights, as Kalash Marriage Act 2024 is introduced in its initial phase.

Under the proposed law, an effort has been made to provide formal legal protection for centuries-old traditions of the Kalash community regarding marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

According to experts, the law will not only remove legal ambiguities but also significantly reduce the practical issues faced by the community.

Details show that the bill includes clear definitions of Kalash traditions such as“Alashing” (traditional marriage) and“Jahotik” (divorce). It also proposes a minimum marriage age of 18 years and makes it mandatory for both parties to be mentally fit.

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Registration of marriage, divorce, and separation at the local council level has also been made compulsory.

The law further provides guidance on inheritance, dowry, and children's rights, while also suggesting penalties for violations. It proposes that cases will be heard in family courts.

Kalash community leader and former MPA Wazir Zada said the legislation was urgently needed, as the lack of legal recognition in the past had caused multiple issues, but the new law would help reduce these problems.

On the other hand, Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Babar Saleem has termed the bill sensitive and referred it to the relevant committee for further review, where it will be discussed in detail for improvements.

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