Woman alleges harassment by ex-husband on court premises

A woman, Laleen, is alleging harassment by her ex-husband within the court system in Lahore. Laleen, a British Pakistani woman, had obtained a Khula (judicial divorce) from her ex-husband seven years ago and won custody of their three daughters. She sought maintenance for her daughters, which a Lahore High Court ruled in her favor in January 2017.

According to her complaint to the Islampura police, dated October 23, 2026, Laleen claims her ex-husband and unidentified individuals confronted her upon leaving the courtroom. She alleges he demanded custody of their daughters, issued death threats, and physically shoved her. Laleen states he prevented her from contacting police, causing her severe mental distress.

Despite providing video evidence of the incident, police have been hesitant to register a case. The inquiry officer at Islampura Police Station confirmed the matter was investigated, but no crime was found.

Laleen has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for intervention. She requests support from the Chief Minister, citing her past efforts for women and children, and seeks to remove her youngest daughter's name from the Exit Control List. The court had previously ordered Rs100,000 per month in maintenance to each daughter, plus educational expenses and a 10% annual increase.

However, no maintenance has been paid so far, as the execution proceedings are still pending. The Lahore High Court has also noted the systemic issue of delays in enforcing court decrees, stating that while cases are decided within the statutory timelines, the real hardship often begins at the execution stage.