CHITRAL, Pakistan – In a rare and controversial incident, a young man from the Turkho region of Chitral married two women at the same time after both arrived at his home expecting to wed him.
The man, Sartaj Ahmed, originally from Sorich, Chitral, had reportedly promised marriage to both women over phone calls. The situation escalated when one woman, whom Ahmed had allegedly eloped with, arrived at his house—only to find another woman already there, also claiming he had vowed to marry her.
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Village elders intervened after both women refused to return home, ultimately deciding that the only resolution was to solemnize a dual marriage. The nikah (Islamic marriage ceremony) was performed simultaneously, with Ahmed becoming the husband of both women in a single event.
Controversy and Cultural Context
Polygamy is legally permitted in Pakistan under Islamic law, allowing men to marry up to four wives—provided they treat each equally. However, such cases often spark debates over consent, gender rights, and societal pressures.
Local sources say the women insisted on going through with the marriage despite the unusual circumstances. “Both women claimed they had been in contact with Sartaj and were determined to stay,” said a community member familiar with the case.
Reactions and Legal Implications
While some villagers accepted the elders’ decision as a pragmatic solution, others questioned whether the women were given fair agency in the matter. Human rights advocates in Pakistan have long criticized forced and coerced marriages, particularly in rural areas where traditional customs sometimes override legal protections.
No formal complaints have been filed so far, but the case has drawn attention to the complexities of marriage practices in remote regions of Pakistan.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more details emerge.
— The Azadi Times
