Asim Munir’s Daughter Marries Cousin, First-Cousin Marriages Raise Health Concerns in Pakistan

Islamabad: The marriage of Mahnoor, daughter of Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, has sparked widespread discussion in Pakistan. Mahnoor tied the knot with her first cousin, Captain Syed Abdul Rahman Qasim, in a private ceremony held at the Pakistan Army headquarters in Rawalpindi. The event was attended by prominent political figures and well-known personalities from across the country.

According to Pakistani journalists, including Raja Munib who confirmed the marriage via X, Mahnoor’s husband Qasim is the son of Asim Munir’s brother, making this a first-cousin union. The marriage has drawn renewed attention to the widespread practice of intra-family marriages in Pakistan.

Prevalence of First-Cousin Marriages
Studies indicate that approximately 60–70% of marriages in Pakistan occur within the family, with a majority being between first cousins (maternal or paternal). This is significantly higher than the global average of 10%. The practice has been followed for generations in many families across Pakistan. However, health experts have long raised concerns regarding the potential risks associated with cousin marriages.

Health Risks and Genetic Disorders
Experts warn that children born to first cousins face nearly double the risk of birth defects compared to the general population. When such marriages continue across multiple generations, hereditary genetic disorders increase. Pakistan already has a high prevalence of conditions such as thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, and intellectual disabilities, particularly in regions where intra-family marriages are common.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around 30–40% of infant mortality in Pakistan is linked to consanguineous marriages. In Punjab alone, thalassemia affects roughly 1 in every 10,000 births, with many children requiring lifelong blood transfusions.

Recent research underscores these concerns further. A 2023 study in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa found that children born of cousin marriages are 2.5 times more likely to have chromosomal disorders. Genetic experts note that repeated intra-family marriages reduce genetic diversity, contributing to an increase in long-term health problems.

Steps Taken by Muslim Countries
Several Muslim-majority countries have implemented measures to mitigate the health risks of cousin marriages. Iran has introduced mandatory pre-marital screening for thalassemia, resulting in a 70% reduction in cases. Saudi Arabia requires pre-marital genetic counseling. Pakistan has initiated limited measures, but efforts remain insufficient to address the widespread practice.

Mahnoor Munir’s wedding has once again brought the issue of first-cousin marriages into the public spotlight, highlighting both cultural traditions and their potential health consequences.