PERCEPTION AND PRACTICES OF YOUTH TOWARDS CROSS-SECT MARRIAGES IN GILGIT BALTISTAN

Abstract

This study exploresthe perception of youth towards cross-sect marriages in Gilgit Baltistan. Through qualitative data analysis, eight in-depth interviews have been conducted with the youth of three different sects that are Sunni, Shia and Ismaili. The methodology which has been used in this research work is qualitative; data has been generalized through 8 in-depth interviews from the youth of Gilgit Baltistan during Covid-19.It has been analyzed that majority of youth wasin favor of cross-sect marriages and they were supporting it as good source of socialization. Respondents’ point of view was that girls have the right to choose their life partner according to their will as this right is given to them by Islam. It’s just our stereotypical thinking that we have a negative behavior towards cross-sect marriages. However, on other side, there were some respondents who were not in much favor of cross-set marriages but they have arguments that why they are not supporting cross-sect marriage. Reasons were their rigid beliefs, different cultural backgrounds and extremist family backgrounds behind it. But, people have to change their thinking patterns or rigid behaviors towards different sects or considering themselves as superior and rests as inferior.We need to try to accept diversity because it brings positivity in societies.