The Lahore High Court has made an important decision that supports women’s rights in marriage. The court ruled that a woman still has the right to receive her dower (haq mehr) even if she asks for a divorce through khula—especially if she has been mistreated or abused by her husband.
Justice Raheel Kamran Sheikh, who gave the ruling, explained that dower is meant to provide financial security to the woman. He emphasized that it cannot be taken away from her just because she is the one seeking the separation, especially in situations where the husband has been violent or abusive during the marriage.
This decision came during a case in which a woman told the court that her husband had been violent toward her throughout their nine-year marriage. The court found that it would be unfair and unjust to deny her the dower under such circumstances.
The judge also reminded everyone that marriage is a mutual agreement, and both husband and wife have rights that need to be respected. The court stressed the importance of protecting women’s rights and ensuring justice, especially when a woman decides to leave an abusive relationship.
This ruling sends a strong message that women should not be punished for leaving a harmful situation and that their financial rights must be upheld, even after separation.
