THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Bal Ram Sampla
Geopolitics
Cousin marriage is very common in Pakistan. Between 60% and 70% of all marriages happen between cousins, usually first cousins. This is much higher than most other countries in the world, where only about 10% of marriages are between relatives. This practice affects families at every level of society, from poor villages to wealthy cities.
In December 2024, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir married his daughter to her first cousin. The cousin was the son of General Munir’s own brother. The wedding happened at the army headquarters in Rawalpindi and was attended by Pakistan’s president, prime minister, and other important leaders.
This wedding got a lot of attention because it showed that even the most powerful and educated families in Pakistan continue this tradition. General Munir has access to the best doctors and medical advice, yet he still chose to marry his daughter to a close relative.
Why Do People Marry Cousins?
There are several reasons why cousin marriage remains so popular in Pakistan:
(1) Keeping wealth in the family:
When cousins marry, money and property stay within the same family instead of going to outsiders.
(2) Protecting women:
Many families believe that marrying a daughter to a cousin keeps her safe because she stays close to her parents and family support system.
(3) Trust and familiarity:
Families know each other well, so there are fewer surprises after marriage.
(4) Tradition:
For many generations, families have arranged marriages this way, and people follow what their parents and grandparents did.
(5) Religion
Marrying within family, stops marrying non Muslim and stay within same biradari
The Health Problems
Despite its popularity, cousin marriage creates serious health risks for children. When parents are closely related, their children face much higher chances of birth defects and genetic diseases.
Higher Death Rates
Research shows that babies born to first-cousin parents are twice as likely to die in their first year of life compared to babies whose parents are not related. The risk continues through early childhood.
Birth Defects
Children born to cousin parents face about double the risk of serious birth defects compared to other children. While the general population has a 3-4% risk of serious birth defects, children of first cousins face a 5-11% risk.
Genetic Diseases
Pakistan has high rates of certain inherited diseases that are passed down through families. These include:
(I)Thalassemia:
A blood disorder that requires lifelong treatment
(II) Cystic fibrosis:
A lung disease that makes breathing difficult
(III) Intellectual disabilities:
Problems with learning and development
When cousin marriage happens generation after generation in the same families, these diseases become more and more common in those communities.
What Other Countries Have Done
Some other countries with similar traditions have taken action to reduce the health problems:
1.Iran, made couples get tested for thalassemia before marriage. This simple step reduced the disease by 70%.
2.Saudi Arabia, now requires genetic counseling before people get married, so they understand the risks.
The Challenge Ahead
Cousin marriage in Pakistan is deeply rooted in culture and tradition. It serves important social and economic purposes for families. However, the health costs for children are real and serious.
Changing this practice will require more than just medical advice. It needs education about genetic risks, stronger screening programs, and gradually shifting social attitudes. When influential figures like military leaders continue the tradition, it sends a message that cousin marriage is acceptable and safe, even when medical evidence says otherwise.
The path forward requires balance: respecting cultural traditions while protecting the health of future generations. This means honest conversations about the risks, better access to genetic testing, and supporting families who choose to marry outside their immediate family circles.
Until Pakistan addresses this issue more seriously, thousands of children will continue to be born with preventable genetic diseases and disabilities each year.
References
1.https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/the-field-marshals-family-affair-asim-munirs-daughter-weds-cousin-as-pakistan-looks-away
2.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9177121/
3.https://www.dawn.com/news/1212811
4.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12905-022-01704-2
5. https://faculty.som.yale.edu/mushfiqmobarak/causes-and-consequences-of-consanguinity-in-bangladesh-and-pakistan/
6.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322034342_Consanguineous_marriages_and_their_detrimental_outcomes_in_Pakistan_an_urgent_need_for_appropriate_measures
