ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Authorities stepped in to prevent the marriage of a 5-year-old girl to a 7-year-old boy in rural Pakistan, authorities said Friday.
A Muslim cleric was in the process of marrying the two children when police entered the room and took several people into custody.
Apparently, the children are ill and both families arranged the marriage, officials said. The ceremony was reportedly attended by more than 100 people.
The boy, Mohammed Waseem, and the girl, Nishain Karachi, were taken into protective custody and their parents were arrested. During the raid, the girl had tears running down her face.
Authorities said the marriage of the two children was arranged to end an ongoing feud between the two families that has been going on for about eight years.
Authorities said the marriage of the two children was arranged to end an ongoing feud between the two families that has been going on for about eight years.
Pakistan law forbids marriage below the age of 18, but some Muslim scholars say it is permissible if the bride and groom have reached puberty.
The maximum penalty for the parents is a one month jail sentence and a fine of approximately $10.
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