Paktika Department Says It Prevented 108 Forced Marriages and Resolved 631 Cases

The Promotion of Virtue, Prevention of Vice and Complaints Handling Department in southeastern Paktika province reported preventing 108 forced marriages and registering 141 public complaints against government personnel this year. Mawlawi Rahmatullah Muhaqiq, head of the department, told Pajhwok Afghan News that about 631 cases related to women’s rights and protection were registered this year and resolved based on Islamic and humanitarian principles.

Muhaqiq said mohtasebin prevented around 108 forced marriages during this period. "All 631 cases involving women were resolved including 108 forced marriage cases, 345 domestic violence cases, and 178 inheritance rights cases," he said. He described the department’s mandate as reforming society and preventing unlawful and immoral practices, adding: "We call on everyone to avoid such actions. We do not allow anyone to carry out these acts because they are forbidden, and our directorate is making strong efforts to stop them."

On complaints against government employees, Muhaqiq said 141 complaints had been lodged by the public, of which 117 were resolved and 24 remained under investigation. "Of the 141 complaints registered, 117 have been settled and rights were delivered to the rightful individuals, while 24 cases are still being processed," he said.

The department also reported rescuing a girl from a forced marriage. According to the account provided to Pajhwok, a young man had symbolically claimed her hand by firing shots 17 years ago; the department intervened to stop the marriage.

All figures and statements in this report were provided by Mawlawi Rahmatullah Muhaqiq to Pajhwok Afghan News and reflect the department’s account of its activities and case outcomes for the year.