Pakistan to enact law against dowry

A landmark decision to ban the practice of dowry has been made by the federal government of Pakistan. In the ongoing developments, the Minister of Religious Affairs of Pakistan has decided to make it illegal for a man to take dowry, forbidding the groom and his family to demand and then put it on show, says Daily Pakistan.

Following the announcement, Pakistan became the first Muslim nation to prohibit the practice of dowry, which is considered to be the source of domestic violence along with other social evils.

The acceptable dowry, according to the new law, would be only dressed for the bride and bed sheets only. In the event of a divorce, all the presents and dowry must be returned to the girl from the groom’s side.

It is also made compulsory to enter into the Nikkah-Nama the specifics of the gifts and dowry given to the bride.