If it not a good idea for first cousins to marry and have children because of potential birth defects in those children, then why is it allowed here? Obviously it is more prevalent amongst Pakistanis, but it is not against the law.
If it is so risky then why is it allowed here? or anywhere?
There is not a lot we can do about what goes on in Pakistan but we can stop it happening here with every race, religion etc. Perhaps it is more prevalent amongst Pakistanis who go on to marry first cousins for generation after generation and then the gene pool becomes too small. Whatever, if it has been proved to be the case, then it should be stopped, if only for the sake of the children that are at risk of being born with avoidable defects. It is certainly something that needs addressing, and I do not think that is being racist or Islamaphobic if it is fact.
Personally I think it is one step short of incest.