Sikhism was evolved in AD 1500
, Guru Nanak was founder of Sikh faith. Guru Nanak was born in 1469 BC in
Nankana Sahib, Pakistan. Sikhs believe in monotheism and emphasizes on the Unity
of God. Gurdawaras (gateways to the Guru) is a place of Sikh worship. These
Gudawaras had been constructed mostly in Punjab. These are constructed in the
honor of Guru Nanak. Almost 20,000 Sikhs in Pakistan live in Punjab and Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa Provinces. Sikhs and Muslim live in harmony in both the provinces.
Marriage in Sikhism is considered as the highest, the most fruitful path because
it requires more exertion to deal with another ego else than oneself. Sikh
marriages are called “Anand Karaj”. The literary meaning of Anand Karaj is
“Blissful Union” or Joyful Union”. This word Anand Karaj was introduced by Guru
Amar Das. It can also be defined as “the lawful union of a Sikh male and Sikh
female” in accordance with religious practices enshrined in the Guru Granth
Sahib (Holy Book of Sikhs).
Initially, Sikh Marriages were recorded only in “Gurdawara” (Prayer place of
Sikhs). To regulate and record Sikh marriages in Union Council, Punjab Assembly
Pakistan has approved “Sikhs Anand Karaj Marriages act 2017”. The said bill was
presented by Sardar Romesh Singh Arora in 2017 in 32nd session of Punjab
Assembly, unanimously approved by approved by Chief Minister Punjab “Shahbaz
Shareef”(PML-N).
This is first ever private member’s bill which was adopted by the present
legislature. Passing of this bill has effectively repealed the Anand Marriage
Act 1909, passed previously under British Rule. The approval of this bill made
Pakistan, first country in the world to legalize and record “Sikh Marriages”.
Anand Karaj or the marriage ceremony will be performed with the Sikh Religious
practice. A “marriage deed’ a legal document authorizing the matrimonial union,
will be the issued by a registrar. According to the bill, the marriage will take
place as long as bride and groom are of sound mind and not below the age of 18
years. The marriages of minors will not be legally recognized. They enter into
marriage contract with their free and full consent. On the other hand, in case a
“Party” seeks to dissolve the marriage, he/ she must submit a written note to
the chairman, head of a Union Council, Union Administration or municipal
committee.
Writing more, this law has made history in Pakistan, as it is the first time
that family matters of a minority, such as marriages will be regulated
separately. Even in India the birth place of Sikhism, Sikhs have not been given
a separate identity in terms of Family Law.
Pakistan Sikh Gurdawara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) president Sardar Tara Singh
said “there was no Law of Sikh Community but their family matters will be dealt
with through relevant legislation.” The whole Sikh community welcomed the
passage of the bill and applauded the role of the Punjab Assembly. Sikh leaders
said it was a good premonition that shown love and respect for member of minor
community. The bill allowed Sikh to protect their family matters. In 2017, a
similar bill for Hindu Marriages was also passed. The Hindu Marriage bill was
intended to facilitate women, so that they can get documentary proof of their
marriages. A Sikh marriage irrespective of the region, can be registered in
Pakistan.
Concluding more, around 180 million (3%) of Pakistan’s population consists of
Non-Mulsims. Following the laws for minorities prescribed in Islam, Punjab
Assembly has proudly made Pakistan the only country to give legal status to
minorities. Now, Sikh Marriages will also be recoded in Union council like Nikah
Nama of Muslims. This shows a softer image of Pakistani society in which Muslim
majority never spoiled dignity of minorities. Minorities live their lives
according to their own religion with freedom in this country.