Khula is a wife's right to seek divorce through court in Pakistan. Complete guide to khula procedure, grounds, timeline and legal process.
Khula is an Islamic and legal right of a Muslim wife to seek dissolution of her marriage through the Family Court by returning the consideration received from her husband — typically the mehr (dower). It does not require the husband's consent.
A wife may seek khula on any ground — including incompatibility, failure of the husband to maintain, cruelty, or simply an irretrievable breakdown of the marital relationship. The courts in Pakistan have consistently held that a wife cannot be compelled to live in an unwanted marriage.
Step 1 — File Suit: The wife files a suit for dissolution of marriage (khula) before the Family Court at the husband's last known place of residence.
Step 2 — Service of Summons: The court issues summons to the husband. If the husband cannot be located, substituted service through newspaper publication may be ordered.
Step 3 — Reconciliation Attempt: The Family Court is required to attempt reconciliation. If reconciliation fails, the court proceeds.
Step 4 — Return of Mehr: The wife typically offers to return the mehr received. In cases of cruelty, courts may waive this requirement.
Step 5 — Decree of Khula: The court pronounces the decree of khula. The marriage is dissolved from the date of decree.
An uncontested khula case where the husband does not appear typically concludes in 3–6 months. Contested matters may take longer.
Contact Mian Aqil Nawaz, Advocate High Court — family lawyer in Bahawalpur — for expert representation in khula and family court matters.
Contact Mian Aqil Nawaz, Advocate High Court — family lawyer Bahawalpur.
