The government of Punjab has approved its biggest ever mass marriage program, which will help 3,000 poor girls get married, according to Radio Pakistan.
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A Historic Mass Marriage Program for Poor Girls
In Pakistan, weddings can be very expensive, putting a lot of financial pressure on families, especially those with low income. Traditional South Asian weddings often include big ceremonies, lots of food, and fancy decorations, all of which cost a lot of money.
This burden has become even heavier because of Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis, with high inflation and rising electricity bills. According to local traditions, the bride’s family, particularly her male relatives, are expected to pay a dowry to the groom’s family, which often causes delays in marriages because of the high costs.
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Key Details of the Mass Wedding Program
The cabinet agreed to arrange weddings for 3,000 underprivileged girls in different parts of Punjab. Under this program, each bride will receive about $350 (100,000 Pakistani rupees) in cash, along with household items like furniture, clothes, dinner sets, and other essentials, the report said.
Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has also asked officials to create a plan to expand the program. However, the government has not yet shared how they will decide which girls are eligible for this help.
Mass weddings, where many couples get married in the same ceremony, have happened in Pakistan before. These events help families save money. They are often supported by the government, charities, and community programs.
Earlier this year, in January, 122 Hindu couples were married in a mass ceremony organized by the Pakistan Hindu Council in Karachi.