The Lahore High Court has ruled that a husband must pay the full Haq Mehar (dower) to his wife even after divorce. This important judgment strengthens the financial rights of women in marriage.
In the verdict, the court made it clear that whatever is written in the nikahnama (marriage contract), including cash and jewellery, has to be paid completely. If the husband does not give the jewellery mentioned in the contract, the ex-wife is entitled to receive its current market value instead.
The Lahore High Court upheld the decision of a lower family court and directed the husband to fulfil his entire dower obligation without any delay or reduction. The ruling came in a case where a divorced woman had approached the court to claim her full Haq Mehar.
In Islamic law and under Pakistani family laws, Haq Mehar is a mandatory right of the wife. It is often divided into two parts: prompt (payable at the time of marriage) and deferred (payable at the time of divorce or the husband’s death).
Legal experts say this decision will help protect women’s rights and discourage husbands from avoiding their responsibilities after separation.
The ruling has been welcomed by women’s rights groups as a positive step for justice in family matters.
