Pakistan is ranked first in the world for cousin marriages, with 61.2% of marriages found for consanguinuos unions, according to the latest worldwide results. The studies reveal how entrenched this practice remains in Pakistani society due to age-old cultural, social and family traditions.
Cultural and Social Roots
Cousin marriages have been part of the social fabric in Pakistan for many years. Many families see such unions as a way to strengthen the bond between families, retain property in the family, while at the same time, keep the spouses compatible by virtue of family background and family values.
Moreover, in rural and tribal areas they are often encouraged in order to maintain a continuing bonding and social relationship between relatives and friends.
Health and Genetic Risk
Despite the social acceptance of cousin marriages, however, the medics have repeatedly raised the threat potential of these unions in terms of health factors. Studies have shown a much higher possibility of genetic disorders, birth defects and hereditary diseases, among the children born of these unions.
The Public Health Specialists have continued to advocate for educating the public and families about the necessity for genetic counselling, to assist families in making intelligent choices.
The Need for Education and An Open Forum
Although countries such as Kuwait and Qatar, and the UAE’s high rate of cousin marriages too, nevertheless, Pakistan’s figures are the highest in the world. Experts continue to feel that the question is one which requires a certain amount of delicadeza, but eventually, some graduation between respecting the important cultural traditions on the one hand, yet on the other, educating people as to the health factors involved.
In this way open forums could be set up if health facilities were also easily available for the future generation, to become more educated and healthier than the previous generations.
