A sub-committee of the Senate has approved the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which mandates that family courts determine a fixed monthly maintenance amount for divorced women and their children during the first hearing of the case.
The bill, introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, seeks to ease the financial hardships faced by divorced women, especially those without independent incomes, during lengthy legal proceedings.
The meeting was held on Monday under the chairmanship of Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, as part of the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice’s Sub-Committee. The bill was originally tabled in the Senate on September 9, 2024.
Lawmakers at the session acknowledged that unresolved family court cases often leave women and children without financial support for extended periods. They emphasized that a large number of women in Pakistan lack independent sources of income and are especially vulnerable during court battles.
Senator Zehri highlighted that nearly 90% of women in the country do not have their own earnings, and delays in maintenance rulings worsen their economic struggles. She said the goal of the bill is to ensure that a maintenance amount is fixed at the outset, offering immediate financial relief.
According to the proposed legislation, if the respondent fails to pay the maintenance by the 14th of each month, they will lose the right to defend themselves in court, allowing the judge to rule based solely on the complainant’s submissions and documents.
A representative from the Ministry of Law and Justice pointed out that similar reforms have already been implemented in Punjab. He clarified that the Ministry’s jurisdiction is limited to federal matters.
Senator Ghumro cited Article 35 of the Constitution, which obliges the state to safeguard the institution of family, with special emphasis on the protection of women and children. He stressed that denying financial support during divorce proceedings undermines family welfare and weakens state responsibility.
Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan expressed strong support for the bill and encouraged the introduction of more measures to protect women’s rights and strengthen legal safeguards for vulnerable families.
