Senate Sub-Committee Approves Bill to Ensure Timely Maintenance for Women in Divorce Cases

A major step toward protecting the financial rights of women during divorce proceedings was taken as a Senate sub-committee approved the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The proposed amendment, introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, makes it mandatory for judges to set monthly maintenance at the very first hearing of divorce cases.

The move comes amid growing concerns over delayed financial support for women, who often suffer economic distress during drawn-out court battles. The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice’s sub-committee, chaired by Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, held the session in Islamabad to review and approve the bill.

The bill, originally introduced in the Senate on September 9, 2024, received strong support from the committee. Lawmakers acknowledged that unresolved divorce cases often leave women and children without financial support for months or even years. Senator Zehri highlighted that around 90% of Pakistani women do not earn independently, making timely maintenance a critical lifeline.

“This bill is about immediate relief. Without financial assistance, women and children are left vulnerable,” said Senator Zehri. She emphasized that early decisions on maintenance will reduce unnecessary hardships during legal proceedings.

A key provision of the bill mandates courts to decide on maintenance at the initial hearing. Moreover, if the husband (defendant) fails to pay the fixed amount by the 14th of every month, his right to present a defence will be withdrawn. In such cases, the court will decide based on the woman’s complaint and submitted documents.

The Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Law and Justice confirmed that similar amendments have already been enforced in Punjab, providing precedent and a positive impact at the provincial level. He clarified that the Ministry’s role is focused only on federal matters.

Senator Ghumro stressed the importance of the law, referring to Article 35 of the Constitution, which obliges the State to protect families, especially women and children. “Financial neglect during divorce weakens families and damages the social structure,” he said.

Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan also voiced strong support, praising the bill as a vital step toward securing women’s rights. She urged for more such measures to address the economic and social vulnerabilities women face during family disputes.

Following detailed discussions, the sub-committee unanimously approved the bill. It will now move to the main Senate committee for final recommendations before being presented to the full Senate for approval.

If passed into law, the amendment promises to reshape the handling of divorce cases by making financial justice a priority from day one — a long-overdue move toward real support for women in Pakistan’s legal system.