PAT calls for unanimous approval of Dowry Prohibition Bill by National Assembly

Pakistan Awami Tehreek's Secretary of Information, Noorullah Siddiqui, has welcomed the Dowry Prohibition Bill, emphasizing that it should be unanimously passed. He stated that over 50% of Pakistan’s population lives in extreme poverty and cannot afford the curse of dowry and the unnecessary expenses associated with weddings. The exchange of dowry and demands related to it are un-Islamic, unethical, and inhumane.

The PAT Secretary Information highlighted that building and managing a home is the groom’s responsibility, but unfortunately, ignorant customs and oppressive systems in Pakistan have shifted this burden onto the shoulders of the bride’s parents. Siddiqui stressed the need for a robust media campaign to combat the curse of dowry and make life difficult for greedy families that demand dowry.

He also urged financially stable families, who give and display dowry to maintain their social status, to fulfill their social and moral responsibilities and change their mindset.

"Islam has made marriage mandatory and easy to establish a peaceful and pure society, " Siddiqui added, but greedy elements have made the institution of marriage increasingly difficult. He called on the state to deal with such elements with full force.