The Rawalpindi administration has taken new steps to control the growing number of court and love marriages in the region.
In a recent notification, the Local Government Department has directed all union councils to stop registering Nikah Namas (marriage certificates) that were solemnized within district or tehsil courts.
According to the circular, any registrar or union council staff found violating this directive will face serious legal consequences. These include possible arrests, suspension from duty, or even cancellation of their marriage registration licenses.
The administration emphasized that the order must be implemented immediately to ensure better record management and to address rising social concerns linked with such marriages.
Officials explained that this move comes after a noticeable increase in marriages performed without family consent, many of which were initiated by women seeking Khula (divorce) or independence in choosing their life partners.
Reports show that between January and September 2025, around 1,594 women left their homes to marry by choice. Interestingly, a significant number of these women were from areas outside Rawalpindi, highlighting how the city’s courts had become a preferred location for such unions.
The authorities stated that the ban aims to bring discipline and accountability in the marriage registration process, discouraging misuse of court marriages while ensuring compliance with official procedures.
The administration also urged citizens to follow legal routes for marriage registration through their respective union councils, stressing that proper documentation protects the rights of both partners and prevents future legal complications.
