Swara---A Bridge over troubled waters.

Pukhtunwali is the code of life followed by the Pukhtuns of the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan . Over the centuries this code of conduct has guided the daily lives of the people of this region bordering Afghanistan . Its many noble aspects have been admired and written by foreigners and Pakistanis alike. “Melmastiya' or hospitality, ‘Nanawatay' or forgiveness and protection have been practiced along with ‘badal'or reciprocation. The Pukhtuns have been rightly proud of their social and cultural heritage that has evolved under the norms of Pukhtunwali.

The documentary presents various views with regard to ‘Swara', a cultural practice where minor girls are given away in marriage as part of a peace making arrangement between two disputing parties. Traditional courts or ‘jirgas' routinely decree the giving away of girls in marriage as part of deals to compensate the ‘aggrieved party', claiming to derive authority for doing so from the age of the practice itself and from religion.

The documentary produced for Aurat Foundation, Peshawar , looks at ‘Swara' and parts of the Pukhtun society involved and affected by it. Based on interviews given by girls who were actually given away as ‘swara' and the views of those who either support of oppose this practice, this documentary attempts to draw the attention of decision makers, opinion leaders and the general public towards this very important issue that has so far not received the attention it deserves.

The documentary has been filmed in various parts of the Northwest Frontier Province . It brings forward different female victims of Swara who have come forward and shared their experiences in front of the camera.