{
  "id": 11848787,
  "title": "SHC directs police to provide protection to free-will couple",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/shc-directs-police-to-provide-protection-to-free-will-couple",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T05:10:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2034683/shc-directs-police-to-provide-protection-to-free-will-couple"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Karachi, Sindh High Court has directed authorities to ensure the safety of a newlywed couple who married by free will. Justice Mohammad Saleem Jessar, presiding over a two-judge bench, also ordered police to submit a report to the concerned magistrate following an abduction case filed against the wife's husband. The petitioner, Sania Baloch, had petitioned the court against the police, home department, private individuals, and her own family members, alleging criminal intimidation and false abduction charges. The petitioner claimed she had willingly married her husband in August and was fulfilling her marital obligations. However, her family members, driven by opposition to the marriage, had filed an FIR against her for abduction under Pakistan's Penal Code and Trafficking in Persons Act. The court held that all citizens, including the petitioners, must receive legal protection without discrimination. The petition was disposed of, with the court ordering the respondents to uphold the law and ensure the couple's safety, preventing any harassment. The investigating officer has promised to submit a report to the magistrate upon recording the petitioner's statement.",
  "summary": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2034608",
  "key_points": [
    "Sindh High Court directs police to protect free-will couple.",
    "Justice Mohammad Saleem Jessar orders police report on abduction case.",
    "Court ensures legal protection for all citizens, including petitioners."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The court's directive ensures the newlywed couple, who married against their family's wishes, are protected from harassment and intimidation, setting a precedent for equal legal protection for all citizens.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}