​In a significant and timely operation, the police in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have rescued two underage girls from a forced marriage under the “Sowara” custom. The girls were being taken to Afghanistan for the marriage and police have arrested the main suspect involved in this illegal act.

​The operation was conducted under the direct orders of District Police Officer (DPO) Waqar Ahmad, successfully thwarting a dangerous plan to transport the girls across the border via Torkham.

​According to police details, they received credible information that two underage girls, aged 12 and 14, identified as (K) and (F), were being forcibly taken from the Dewgar Saidegi area of Ghulam Khan Tehsil to Afghanistan. Police immediately took action and rescued the girls.

​Investigations revealed that a man named Miaghar, an Afghan resident was taking the girls toward Torkham. Under the supervision of DPO Waqar Ahmad, Ghulam Khan SHO Raqib Khan and his investigative team swiftly acted, taking the main suspect, Miaghar, into custody and transferring him to a lockup. Police have also registered a case under relevant laws.

​In a statement, DPO Waqar Ahmad said that the protection of women and children is their primary and fundamental priority. He added that police will continue to take action according to the law to prevent forced marriages, “Sowara,” and other illegal acts and they will never allow such cruel decisions.