For the first time in the 60 year history of Pakistan, the government has promulgated for the Sikh Marriage Ordinance aimed at providing congenial environment to Sikhs in Pakistan.
Law will also address problems like maintenance & custody of kids, divorces and alimonyISLAMABAD: For the first time in the 60 year history of Pakistan, the government has promulgated for the Sikh Marriage Ordinance aimed at providing congenial environment to Sikhs in Pakistan so that they can live in accordance with their religious values.
The ordinance has been promulgated by President Pervez Musharraf following its formal approval by the caretaker federal cabinet last week.
The consultation on the draft ordinance has reportedly been made with the Sikh community in Pakistan and other stakeholders, mainly the ministries of interior, foreign affairs, law justice and human rights.
According to Syed Afzal Haider, the federal law minister, the Anand Marriage Act 1909 which used to deal with the special issue of validation of Sikh marriages, now stands repealed. The law minister said the Anand Act was promulgated after by the imperial Legislative council headed by Lord Minto.
Before the partition in 1947, the Sikhs were reluctant to solemnize their marriages according to the Hindu Vedic laws and traditions. The marriages were mostly solemnised in accordance with the Hindu faith by mahants and pujaris.
The presidential ordinance promulgated Friday lays down necessary conditions for a valid marriage, making the registration of Sikh marriages compulsory for which the government shall appoint a registrar in Islamabad.
Now Sikh marriage can be solemnised at the four provincial headquarters as well as the Nankana Sahib, the birth place of Guru Nanak and any other place recommended by the Pakistan Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee provided that non-registration of Sikh marriage shall not affect its validity.
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