Peshawar , Pakistan ( CNN ) -- A 13-year-old Pakistani boy has taken his school to court , challenging his expulsion after he got married . Gherat Khan , a 7th grader at Peshawar Model School , filed a petition with the High Court in the northwest Pakistani city saying the school 's principal sent him packing after she found out about the wedding . Gherat said his wife is 16 , although CNN could not independently verify her age . Pakistan has no clear guidelines prohibiting underage marriage . Civil law says boys must be 18 ; girls 16 . But Islamic law says a couple can marry if both have reached puberty and if their parents approve . `` I am young but our family had problems , '' Gherat said , explaining why he tied the knot at such an early age . His father had passed away and his mother was sick , he said . The family had fallen on hard times . So his relatives , including his grandfather , decided to find him a bride who could help the family with housework . Gherat said he loves his wife and does not regret his family members ' decision . The school , however , felt differently . Principal Beatrice Jamil said the decision to expel Gherat was taken after consulting with the school 's directors . His file said the school removed Gherat because his parents removed him . But Jamil admitted that was n't the real reason . Gherat , she said , was told to leave because the school worried he 'd share intimate details of married life with classmates . `` It 's prohibited . It 's almost taboo , '' she said . Gherat said he was upset when he found out he could no longer attend classes . If the school deems something inappropriate , he wo n't talk about it with his friends , he said . All he wants is to finish his education so he can become a doctor , Gherat added . `` I want to go to this school , '' he said . For her part , Jamil wishes Gherat well -- but does n't want him back . `` Especially now that it 's publicized , '' she said .
Boy , 13 , says school expelled him after finding out he was married . Gherat Khan challenging decision with Peshawar High Court . Gherat says new wife can help ailing boy with housework . Principal says school said Gherat would share intimate secrets with classmates .