12-year-old's stepfather marries her off to 60-year-old for money

An underage girl was reportedly married off in the village of Khagwani, Hazro Tehsil, after her stepfather allegedly accepted money to arrange the marriage of his 12-year-old daughter to a 60-year-old man.

Police claim that the young girl was sold and then married as part of the transaction. Ten people, including the Nikkah officiant, have been charged with facilitating the marriage of a minor.

The girl's stepfather, Naeem, the groom, and eight other individuals have been taken into custody. However, Iftikhar Shah Mitho, the Nikkah registrar, has reportedly gone into hiding. Investigations suggest that he and a local official were paid Rs. 50,000 to perform the Nikkah.

According to a police spokesperson, the marriage of the minor girl to the older man is still under investigation. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the marriage and identifying those responsible for arranging it. Officials are reviewing statements and supporting evidence to determine each detained suspect's level of involvement. Meanwhile, law enforcement is actively searching for the missing Nikkah registrar.

Authorities have assured that all individuals involved will face legal consequences, and the case is being closely monitored to ensure child protection laws are upheld.