Increase in Divorce Ratio During the Lockdown in Pakistan

Marriage is a ridiculous institution. It starts with a lot of fanfare, whether it is a product of love or arranged by the family. Some consider early marriages to be the most fulfilling. But many couples start living together and experience negative changes once they get used to each other. Arguments and fights become the order of the day, and husband and wife become unbearable for each other, and they choose to divorce. The hype that began with it accomplishes a silent end.

The divorce rate in Pakistan has been increasing over the past decade, especially during this lockdown. In Lahore alone, more than 100 divorces are registered in family courts in a single day. The divorce rate is increasing not only in the upper class but also in the lower and middle levels. From Feb 2005 to Jan 2008, almost 70,000 divorce cases were registered. From Feb 2008 to May 2011, about 1, 20,000 cases were registered.

There have been approximately 2,59,064 secessions in the provincial metropolis over the past decade. In 2010, 40,410 divorce cases were filed in the city's family courts, and 13,500 divorce cases have been filed so far in 2020.

Experts say social change is the main reason for the rising number of divorces during this Lockdown for COVID-19. Most women are now able to live their life on their own and are now fully aware of their rights. Experts say career-based women are more likely to get divorced than housewives. Experts noted that forced marriages, joint family system, misunderstandings, and lack of trust, financial pressure and differences in social status as other reasons for high divorce rates.

Talking to Pakistan Today, solicitor Zafar Iqbal, who specializes in family law, said the divorce rate has increased since the 2001 amendment to the Muslim Family Court Act. He blamed non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and electronic media for the growing number of divorces.

He said that after amendments in family laws, it has become easier to get a divorce. He said judges hearing divorce cases lack experience and sometimes announce the verdict at the first hearing.

Another lawyer, Javed Abbas Mirza, had said in the past that the word "divorce" was forbidden in Pakistani society, but now people are not ashamed to get a divorce.

Another psychologist, Najib Zaheer, said that Indian and Western cultural aggression was going to aggravate the situation. "Women who watch TV channels sometimes want to buy expensive items at the expense of their marriage." He said that the ego of the husband also plays an important role in the increasing number of divorces. Children of divorced couples live unhealthy lives, so parents should understand that they have a responsibility against their own children.

Parents should also think about their children when making such decisions. Momina, 25, who was separated from her parents as a child, blamed third-party influence for increasing the divorce. He said that instead of interfering in the life of the couple, someone else should resolve the issues.

Story by: Ayyan Ahmed