Is it feminism, dowry demands, or Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy? The internet in Pakistan is ablaze with speculation and outrage after a dubious statistic claiming 10 million Pakistani women over 35 are unmarried went viral.
To marry or not to marry?
Social media has become a battleground with fingers pointed in every direction. One camp blames “excessive dowry demands” and outdated societal pressures that prevent educated women from pursuing careers. Others see it as a positive sign of women empowered to choose their path.
Pakistan:— "10 million Pakistani girls, above the age of 35, are unmarried." – new data has revealed.
— South Asia Index (@SouthAsiaIndex) April 28, 2024
Marriage gurus lament “unrealistic expectations” from women seeking partners, while some users see a golden opportunity: “Almost no competition if I go to Pakistan to find a wife?”
The “solution” section is even more diverse. Polygamy advocates see their chance to shine, while one user, perhaps only half-joking, proposes Pakistani-Bangladeshi marriages to strengthen international relations. One “expert” even blames the removal of cricketer Shaheen Afridi from captaincy.
Lost in the online frenzy is the fact that the statistic remains unverified. Regardless, it’s sparked a firestorm of debate – both fascinating and deeply frustrating. One user summed it up perfectly: “This will make for mildly interesting and highly divisive drawing-room conversation.”
Also read: It’s Official: Sanam Saeed & Mohib Mirza Finally Opens Up About Their Marriage In A TV Show
But let’s be clear: referring to adult women as “girls” and using this as an excuse to bash feminism is unacceptable. The real story here might be the lack of reliable data and the ease with which misinformation spreads online.
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