SHC orders police protection for Jacobabad couple after village set on fire over love marriage

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday ordered police to provide protection to a couple after multiple houses were set on fire in the groom’s village over their love marriage.

The case was heard on an application seeking security for the couple Hassan Buriro and Sidra Channa. Justice Saleem Jessar issued a written order directing authorities to ensure the couple’s protection and safeguard their “life, honour and property.”

During proceedings, the couple’s lawyer told the court that the marriage was entered into voluntarily on May 5, without any pressure from either side. He said the couple had since been receiving threats from relatives who opposed the union.

The counsel further stated that on May 13, members of the bride’s family allegedly attacked Siddique Arain village in Jacobabad and set several houses on fire.

The state counsel assured the court that the government is responsible for protecting all citizens without discrimination and said the couple would be provided security in accordance with the law.

The SHC also directed the investigation officer to submit the challan to the relevant trial court following due process.

Earlier reports indicated that tensions between the two families escalated after the marriage, with armed men from the bride’s side allegedly storming the groom’s village, firing shots into the air to spread panic and setting fire to more than 100 houses belonging to his relatives.