The Supreme Court of Pakistan has strongly criticized the misuse of infertility claims to insult or shame women during legal disputes. In a recent judgment, the court called this practice cruel, unjust, and deeply rooted in harmful social attitudes.
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, who was heading a two-judge bench, took a firm stand in a case where a husband had tried to deny his wife her rightful dower (haq mehr) and financial support (nafaqah). The man repeatedly attacked her character and dignity by making false claims about her health, even though medical reports had clearly shown she was healthy. His accusations were aimed at questioning her womanhood and value as a wife.
The court did not take these actions lightly. It fined the man Rs500,000 for using such tactics and for attempting to humiliate his wife in court. The judges made it clear that even if infertility is medically proven, it can never be used as a reason to take away a woman’s legal rights or question her worth. The ruling emphasized that every woman deserves respect, protection, and fairness under the law, regardless of her ability to bear children.
This decision sends a powerful message that the legal system will not tolerate the use of personal or private matters to hurt someone’s dignity. It also reminds society of its duty, as stated in the Constitution of Pakistan, to uphold and protect the honor of all individuals—especially women, who are often the target of such unfair treatment.
