What is your opinion regarding the trading of young girls in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan or of marrying young girls to old men in order to settle disputes. Isn’t this rape!? Why does the Pakistani government not object or why don’t the religious parties?

The trading of girls in the NWFP or any other part of the world, in the name of marriage or anything else, is strictly forbidden. In Islam, both potential spouses must provide their acceptance of the marriage. It is not up to the parents to accept the marriage on behalf of their son or daughter. There are countless instances from the Prophet’s (sws) life where he affirmed this right for women. With regard to whether the Pakistani government has objected to this practice, the government has expressed concern regarding this issue and other issues involving women. However, on this particular issue it seems rather impossible for the government to regulate the marital decisions of every family within its borders. It is even more difficult for a state that respects the privacy of its citizens. The legal courts remain the best avenues for addressing these matters. Hence, the first order of business in rectifying situations like this is to improve the judicial system of Pakistan.