|

Lahore High Court rules abused women retain dower rights following divorce

The Lahore High Court has ruled that a woman who seeks a divorce on the grounds of her husband’s cruelty, abuse, or marital misconduct is not automatically deprived of her right to receive her unpaid dower, known as haq mehr.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani dismissed a petition filed by a man challenging lower court decisions in Toba Tek Singh that awarded 50 percent of a deferred dower to his former wife, Nisha Shahid.

The petitioner argued that under family law provisions, the court lacked a legal basis to grant dower following a khula dissolution. However, the High Court drew a clear distinction between a standard khula, where a woman seeks separation solely due to personal incompatibility, and a judicial dissolution triggered by a husband’s mistreatment.

The court clarified that abuse encompasses physical violence as well as psychological, emotional, verbal, and economic misconduct, noting that a wife is not required to present formal medical reports or police filings to establish her claim.

The ruling directed Family Courts to assess the underlying causes of a marital breakdown rather than stripping a woman of her dower rights purely because the separation is categorized as a khula.

Additionally, the Lahore High Court recommended that the Punjab government and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan update relevant family laws to ensure clear determinations of fault in dower disputes.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Salman Khan urges students to stay calm amid NEET protest

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has shared an important message amid the ongoing student protests over the alleged NEET examination paper leak, urging students to remain calm and reassuring them that the matter is receiving attention at the highest level. In a statement posted on his Instagram account, the actor addressed students participating in demonstrations related to the controversy surrounding the national medical entrance examination. He emphasized that the education and safety of young people should remain the country’s top priority. Salman Khan encouraged students not to let the situation create additional stress for themselves or their families. According to the actor, students should avoid unnecessary anxiety and trust that the authorities will investigate the matter thoroughly. He also referred to the Prime Minister’s public remarks on the issue, saying that he believes strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for the alleged examination paper leak. Salman expressed confidence that those involved would be held accountable through the legal process. The actor appealed to students to return home and focus on their well-being while allowing the authorities to complete their investigation. He said that students should prioritize their health and avoid placing further emotional strain on their parents during this difficult period. In the same message, Salman Khan also addressed education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has reportedly been observing a hunger strike for nearly 25 days. Speaking directly to Wangchuk, Salman requested that he end his fast, saying that enough time had passed and that continuing the hunger strike could put his health at serious risk. While acknowledging Wangchuk’s commitment to raising awareness through peaceful protest, the actor suggested that preserving his health was equally important. Salman added that if public demonstrations become necessary again in the future, Wangchuk could always continue his activism. However, he said he did not believe there was a need to prolong the hunger strike at the present moment In a light-hearted remark, the Bollywood star even offered to send food from his own home if Wangchuk agreed to end his fast, a gesture that quickly drew attention across social media. This was Salman Khan’s second public appeal on the issue within 24 hours. Earlier, he had also expressed concern over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process and stressed the importance of protecting students’ interests while ensuring that the investigation proceeds fairly and transparently. The NEET controversy has triggered widespread demonstrations in different parts of India, with students demanding a transparent inquiry into the alleged paper leak. Protesters have called for accountability, stricter measures against those responsible, and reforms aimed at safeguarding the credibility of the country’s examination system. The alleged paper leak has sparked a broader debate about the integrity of competitive examinations, with students and education advocates urging authorities to strengthen security measures and restore confidence in the examination process. As the investigation continues, the issue remains one of the most closely watched education-related developments in India, with thousands of students hoping for a fair resolution and stronger safeguards for future examinations.

  • | |

    Ali Gul Pir pushes back against parenting advice

    Comedian Ali Gul Pir has spoken about the unsolicited advice new parents often receive in Pakistani society, using his trademark humour to challenge some of the common warnings directed at mothers and fathers. Gul Pir recently became a father to a baby boy, Salar, with his wife, Dr Azeemah Nakhoda. He used a social media reel to share his thoughts on the comments and expectations that often surround first-time parents. One of the first issues he addressed was the common warning that having a baby means saying goodbye to a good night’s sleep forever. Gul Pir questioned the idea, saying babies eventually settle into routines and begin sleeping for longer periods. He also rejected the belief that becoming parents means their personal lives are effectively over. According to the comedian, every family has a different experience and the difficulties faced by one set of parents should not automatically be presented as the future of every new parent. Gul Pir also spoke about another common belief — that children and pets should not live together. As a dog owner, he disagreed with the idea and referred to research suggesting that children who grow up around pets may develop fewer allergies and greater compassion. The comedian then turned his attention to questions about having a second child. He joked that people who constantly ask about expanding their family should not expect to receive personal updates. His response also highlighted how intrusive questions can become overwhelming for new parents. Gul Pir suggested that couples should be allowed to make decisions about their families without constant outside commentary. He also criticised people who comment on women’s bodies shortly after childbirth. Gul Pir questioned why women are often expected to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy appearance. His broader message was about the pressure Pakistani society can place on people whenever they enter a major new phase of life. Gul Pir said big life changes naturally involve sacrifices. However, he argued that people should focus on the positive experiences that come with those changes instead of constantly warning others about what they might lose. The comedian welcomed his first child, Salar, last month. He publicly announced the arrival of his son on Father’s Day by sharing family photographs and pictures of the gifts he received for the occasion.

  • | |

    Pakistan’s monsoon crisis deepens as heavy r…

    Heavy monsoon rains continue to cause widespread devastation across Pakistan, with Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) suffering significant casualties and damage. According to disaster management authorities, at least 43 people have lost their lives and 177 others have been injured due to rain-related incidents, while officials have warned that more heavy rainfall and possible flooding are expected in the coming days. In Punjab, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported 21 deaths and 154 injuries linked to the ongoing monsoon season. Lahore has been among the worst-hit cities, receiving approximately 343 millimeters of rainfall over the past 48 hours. The intense downpour flooded roads, underpasses, and low-lying neighborhoods, causing severe traffic disruptions and exposing weaknesses in the city’s drainage infrastructure. Emergency drainage operations were launched across the provincial capital to remove accumulated rainwater. Most fatalities in Punjab resulted from roof and building collapses, which claimed 15 lives. Additional deaths were caused by lightning strikes, electrocution, and drowning. Authorities also reported damage to dozens of homes, highlighting the vulnerability of aging structures during extreme weather conditions. A tragic incident occurred in Lahore when a 19-year-old motorcyclist was critically injured after being electrocuted while riding through flooded streets in the Chungi Amar Sidhu area. The victim was immediately shifted to Lahore General Hospital for emergency treatment. Heavy rainfall also forced the closure of several underpasses and roads in DHA and other parts of the city due to waterlogging, while traffic was diverted through alternative routes. In addition, rain damaged an 11kV electricity line, causing temporary power outages in affected areas. The city also witnessed the formation of multiple sinkholes after continuous rainfall weakened road surfaces. Traffic authorities sealed off the affected locations, redirected vehicles, and coordinated with municipal departments to begin urgent repair work. Earlier, two teenage brothers lost their lives when their motorcycle skidded on a rain-soaked road near Lahore while traveling toward Kasur. Officials attributed the accident to slippery road conditions and urged motorists, particularly motorcyclists, to reduce speed, wear helmets, and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa recorded 22 deaths and 23 injuries in rain-related incidents. The victims included men, women, and several children. The province also suffered damage to 37 houses, with eight completely destroyed and the remaining partially damaged. The affected districts include Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Bajaur, Swabi, and several others. The K-P PDMA stated that rescue teams, district administrations, and emergency services are working together to provide relief and assistance to affected families. Although river water levels currently remain within normal limits, authorities have placed all districts on high alert due to forecasts of continued heavy rainfall. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that another spell of widespread rain is expected across Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Kashmir over the next 24 hours. Officials fear urban flooding, flash floods in local streams, and landslides in hilly regions such as Murree and Galiyat. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from damaged buildings and flood-prone areas, and follow official safety advisories to minimize further loss of life and property.

  • | |

    Sindh to introduce AI in public service recruitmen…

    KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology into the recruitment and examination system of the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah on Tuesday. The chairman of the SPSC, the secretary of information technology and other senior officials attended the meeting. During the meeting, the chief secretary said AI and modern technology would be used to make the SPSC examination process more efficient and transparent. Officials discussed the use of technology in several stages of the examination process. This includes the preparation of question papers, assessment of candidates and management of examination-related data. The new system is also expected to reduce unnecessary human involvement in certain stages of the examination process. Officials believe greater use of technology could help improve efficiency and minimise administrative delays. The Sindh government also plans to establish technology-equipped workstations across the province. These facilities will provide candidates in different areas with access to modern examination services. The initiative is aimed at improving accessibility for applicants from various parts of Sindh. The government said the use of AI and digital tools would help modernise the recruitment process and improve the overall management of SPSC examinations.

  • | | | |

    Hezbollah signals major u-turn, seeks talks with S…

    BEIRUT/DAMASCUS: In what analysts are describing as a significant policy shift, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has expressed readiness to meet Syria’s new leadership, signaling a potential reset in relations after years of political uncertainty following the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad. Speaking during a televised address, Qassem said Hezbollah seeks “positive, brotherly and cooperative” ties with Syria and has no objection to holding an official meeting with the country’s current leadership if both sides consider the timing appropriate. He added that there were no barriers to public engagement once mutual conditions were met. The remarks mark the first time Hezbollah’s chief has openly endorsed the possibility of direct contact with Syria’s post-Assad leadership, a move that could reshape political dynamics across the region. For years, Hezbollah played a key role in supporting Assad’s government during Syria’s prolonged civil war. Throughout the conflict, Syrian territory served as a vital corridor for the movement of weapons and logistical supplies from Iran to Lebanon, making Damascus a strategic partner for the Iran-backed Lebanese group. However, the regional landscape changed dramatically after Syria’s new government assumed power in December 2024. The political transition created uncertainty over the future of relations between Damascus and Hezbollah, with observers questioning whether the alliance forged during the civil war would survive under the country’s new leadership. Political analysts believe Qassem’s latest comments indicate Hezbollah is adapting to the changing realities of the Middle East. By signaling openness to dialogue, the group appears to be seeking a pragmatic relationship with Syria’s new rulers while protecting its broader regional interests. Experts say any formal meeting between Hezbollah and Syrian officials would carry implications extending beyond the two neighbors. Such engagement could influence Iran’s regional strategy, Lebanon’s internal political landscape, and the broader balance of power in the Middle East. While no timetable for talks has been announced, Qassem’s statement is widely viewed as an important diplomatic opening, suggesting that former rivals and long-time allies alike are reassessing their positions as the region enters a new political era.

  • | |

    Punjab launches 1st overseas digital land registry

    LAHORE: In a landmark move aimed at simplifying property transactions for overseas Pakistanis, the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA), in collaboration with the Board of Revenue Punjab, has successfully completed the province’s first fully digital land registration through the Pakistan High Commission in London. The initiative marks a significant step toward modernizing land services, allowing Pakistanis living abroad to buy, sell, and transfer property in Punjab without the need to travel back to the country. By introducing a secure digital process, the system is designed to make property transactions faster, more transparent, and better protected against fraud. The first transaction under the new framework involved a Pakistani citizen based in London who transferred ownership of land located in Dina, Punjab, to a buyer in Pakistan. The seller’s statement was recorded remotely through a secure digital link, while the entire legal registration process was completed electronically in accordance with official procedures. Director General of the Punjab Land Records Authority, Ikram-ul-Haq, described the successful registration as a major milestone in strengthening the confidence of overseas Pakistanis and improving transparency in land dealings. He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to delivering international-standard public services through technology while promoting efficient and citizen-friendly governance. According to the PLRA, the service is currently available to Pakistanis residing in the United Kingdom. Authorities plan to expand the facility to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates within the next 30 days through continued collaboration between the Punjab Land Records Authority and Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials believe the digital registration system will make property ownership and transfers significantly more convenient for overseas Pakistanis while reinforcing trust in Pakistan’s land administration through secure and technology-driven services.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *