Rawalpindi Sees Record Rise in Divorce and Family Cases

Family courts in Rawalpindi have seen a significant surge in cases related to divorce, khula, maintenance, dowry, dower, and child custody. Between January and September 2026, a total of 10,103 family cases were filed, covering various disputes. During this period, 1,246 women were granted divorce decrees, and 220 children were returned to their mothers.

Interim child maintenance orders were issued in 11,247 cases, and 146 husbands were directed to return dowry and pay dower. In 71 instances, women who had left their homes or in-laws' houses were ordered to return and resume family life. The report suggests that social media platforms, especially late-night conversations and messaging on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Messenger, contribute to a high number of family disputes and divorce cases.

Additionally, recent changes in Christian family law have led to an increase in Christian women seeking legal assistance for divorce, maintenance, and child custody matters. This year, 103 Christian women have filed cases related to divorce, maintenance, and child custody, while 301 women left their homes for love marriages. The rise in divorce cases is accompanied by a record number of meetings between separated children and their parents.

According to the report, 70% of marriages classified as incompatible or outside the traditional family system, including love marriages and socially mediated relationships, have ended in failure. The surge in litigation has left Rawalpindi district and tehsil family courts overcrowded with women and young children. Currently, there are 16,941 new and old family cases pending across the district.