PIR Pagara Sibeghatuallah Shah has given a simple and impressive message in a routine speech to his followers at Pir Jo Ghotte on the weekend: “Making marriages with non-relatives are not forbidden in Islam. Therefore, you are allowed to arrange marriages for your children among non-relatives”.

This message shows that Pir Pagara understands limitations of families which are unable to find life partners for their children within the family setup due to various reasons. As a result, their children, most often girls, stay on unmarried for their entire life, which is an unpleasant thing.

This realisation on the part of Pir Pagara is also good from the health point of view because close marriages in families may originate genetical disorders in their offspring.

Pir Pagara asked his party workers to extend help to widows and he also offered help and financial support for unprivileged people who are unable to manage weddings of their children owing to financial constraints. It is hoped he will fulfil this commitment made in front of thousands of people.

Constructive thinking of leaders can gradually bring a positive change in society if their followers take the guidance sincerely.

HABIB HYDER LAGHARI Canada