Afghan man, 45, marries 6-year-old girl as 3rd wife in Helmand

Monday, July 7, 2025 - A man has married a 6-year-old girl as his third wife in Afghanistan after she was given away for money by her parents.

According to Amu.tv.,the Taliban were forced to intervene in the union after a disturbing photo of the 45-year-old man and a little girl standing together left many people horrified.

The youngster had allegedly been exchanged by her father for money to a man who already has two wives.

The marriage was set to take place last Friday in Helmand province but the Taliban stepped in and arrested both men involved.

No charges were brought against them but they have forced the man to wait until the girl is nine before he can take her home, local media said.

UN Women reported last year that there has been a 25 per cent rise in child marriages in Afghanistan after the Taliban banned girls' education in 2021.

They also said there has been a 45 percent increase in childbearing across the country.