Islamabad, June 25, 2025: The Ministry of Law and Justice has officially acknowledged that no official Urdu Nikahnama—the marriage contract document—currently exists within Pakistan’s legal system.
This revelation emerged during a crucial high-level meeting held in Islamabad, where officials were stunned to discover that only an English version of the Nikahnama is recognized in the government’s official gazette. The issue came under scrutiny following recent directives issued by the Lahore High Court (LHC), demanding reforms to address legal loopholes that impact women’s rights in marriage, especially concerning property and dower disputes.
The meeting, attended by federal and provincial officials, was aimed at identifying flaws in the marriage registration system. Officials requested copies of Nikahnama forms from all four provinces to cross-examine translations and pinpoint irregularities. However, sources confirmed that no legally approved Urdu version could be found.
Due to the absence of a standardized Urdu Nikahnama, provincial authorities—particularly in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—have resorted to issuing versions in local dialects without any legal authorization. This inconsistency has reportedly led to increased matrimonial disputes, particularly over haq mehr (dower) and property ownership, as conflicting translations create confusion regarding spousal rights.
A separate session, chaired by the Federal Law Secretary, focused on legislative updates to ensure clarity in matters of matrimonial property. Stakeholders from legal, religious, and civil society backgrounds have been asked to submit proposals on how to resolve marital contract disputes more efficiently.
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The LHC’s eight-member committee, currently reviewing proposed amendments to the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, is also studying Section 10A, which specifically addresses matrimonial property rights. The committee is expected to recommend the urgent drafting and approval of a legally binding Urdu Nikahnama to ensure equality, clarity, and access to justice for married women across Pakistan.
