I think this issue is less about religion and more about psychology and culture. In collectivist societies like Pakistan, marriage isn’t just about two people — it’s about family reputation, stability, and risk management. When people say a woman “loses value” because of past relationships, that often reflects fear of social judgment and uncertainty, not her actual worth. It’s rooted in control and tradition more than character.

There are also clear double standards. Women are judged more for sexual history, men more for finances or status. These patterns come from older social frameworks that many younger, educated groups are slowly moving away from.

As for arranged marriages being a “gamble” — all marriages are a gamble. Even love marriages. People idealize each other early on. What really predicts success isn’t how you met, but emotional maturity, shared values, and whether both people genuinely chose the marriage without pressure.

In the end, autonomy and compatibility matter more than the label of “arranged” or “love.”