Is the Khula Procedure in Pakistan Truly Empowering Women or Just a Legal Loophole?
In Pakistan, where societal structures are deeply rooted in traditional values, the concept of khula —a woman’s legal right to seek divorce—serves as a crucial legal mechanism for many seeking autonomy and justice in marital disputes. However, despite being a recognized and constitutionally protected right under Islamic and Pakistani law, many women find the actual Khula Procedure In Pakistan to be entangled in legal complexities, social stigma, and bureaucratic barriers. This raises an important and often overlooked question: Is the khula procedure in Pakistan truly empowering women, or has it become just a legal loophole with limited practical impact? Understanding Khula: The Legal Framework Khula is the right of a Muslim woman to initiate a divorce from her husband by surrendering her financial rights, typically the mehr (dower). This right is enshrined in Islamic jurisprudence and codified under the Family Courts Act, 1964 in Pakistan. To in...