KARACHI: Almost 15,000 women from Karachi approached courts last year to seek khula or divorce from their life partners citing financial instability key reasons behind their disturbed married lives.

The fresh data came to highlight during a discussion at the University of Karachi where religious scholars, legal experts and social scientists gathered to discuss the stigma surrounding second marriages for the divorced and widowed women. They emphasised the importance of encouraging second marriages for both men and women who are either divorced or widowed.

The discussion organised in collaboration with the Department of Social Work of the university and Media for Masses (MFM) by the Will Forum. Mufti Fazal Subhani, Prof Dr Shaista Tabassum, Prof Dr Farhana Aleem, advocate Rubina Jatoi, advocate Zia Awan and renowned artist comedian Ayaz Khan participated in the event moderated by Mustafa Habib Siddiqui of the MFM.

Advocate Rubina Jatoi pointed out that a growing number of women were seeking khula (Islamic divorce initiated by women) and considering second marriages. She revealed that in the previous year, 14,973 women in Karachi alone filed for khula, with many citing financial instability as the main cause for the divorce.

Speakers at KU discussion emphasise encouraging second marriages

Mufti Fazal Subhani highlighted that while divorce was permissible in Islam, it remained the least favoured option. He urged society to understand that the second marriage of a divorced or widowed woman was not something to be stigmatised, citing the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) example where most of his wives were either widowed or divorced.

Prof Dr Shaista Tabassum discussed the societal challenges faced by divorced women, which are often more severe than those faced by widows. Dr Farhana Aleem emphasised that media should play a more constructive role in addressing those social issues, as it had a powerful influence on public perception.

Advocate Zia Awan stressed the importance of minimising undue family interference in marriages, which often leads to divorce. He urged for better implementation of domestic violence laws, arguing that it could prevent many separations.

The artist Ayaz Khan criticised the portrayal of women and marriages in modern TV dramas, claiming that they contributed to negative social behaviours. He called for content that promotes healthy relationships and mutual respect between spouses.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2024