Genetic disorders linked to cousin marriages in Pakistan

KARACHI: Health experts have raised alarm over the rising prevalence of genetic disorders in Pakistan, attributing the trend to the high rate of cousin marriages. Speaking at the Swiss-Pakistan Workshop on 'Genomic Disorders and Recessive Disorders,' organized by Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), specialists highlighted the critical need for public awareness and genetic counseling.
Experts revealed that cousin marriages account for more than 65 percent of all unions in Pakistan, with some communities reporting rates as high as 85 percent. This practice, deeply rooted in cultural, social, and economic traditions, significantly elevates the risk of hereditary conditions in children.
Vice Chancellor of DUHS, Prof. Saeed Qureshi, emphasized that while cousin marriages are often favored for familial and economic reasons, they increase the likelihood of recurrent genetic diseases. "Conditions such as thalassemia, microcephaly, and other recessive genetic disorders are disproportionately common in families with frequent consanguinity," Prof. Qureshi stated.
The workshop brought together geneticists and public health experts from Pakistan and Switzerland to address the growing burden of genetic diseases. Participants discussed advancements in genomic research and the importance of early diagnosis and preventive measures, including premarital screening and community education.
Dr. Ayesha Nasir, a geneticist at DUHS, called for urgent policy interventions to mitigate the rising trend of consanguineous marriages. “Public health initiatives, including mandatory genetic screening and awareness campaigns, are crucial to breaking the cycle of hereditary disorders,” she said.
Experts urged the government to allocate resources for genetic counseling programs, particularly in rural areas where cousin marriages are most prevalent. They also advocated for international collaborations to advance research and treatment options for genetic conditions affecting millions of Pakistanis.