Many claim daughters are a blessing.

They gush about how much they love their sisters. They insist women deserve respect. But the truth hits the moment — day zero — a girl is born.

No fireworks, no mithai, no praise, no photos, no phone calls — just silence, sometimes laced with regret and disappointment.

And in rural districts like Torghar (K-P) or Kech (Balochistan), she might not even be registered. It's like she didn't arrive at all.

The air turns heavy when it's 'just a girl'.

The in-laws' mood curdles. The same people who cheered your wedding now weigh your worth.

The mother-in-law rattles off how many grandsons her other daughters-in-law have brought into the family. Expect taunts, quiet snubs or worse if you fail to deliver sons.

Boys get new clothes, toys and gold; girls often get hand-me-downs or knockoffs. Aqeeqahs and other traditional feasts for baby girls are often........

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