Rawalpindi Division Faces Alarming Rise in Family Disputes

Rawalpindi Division in Pakistan has witnessed a concerning rise in cases of divorce, family disputes, and domestic violence against women in the first half of 2023. Data collected between January 1 and June 30 revealed alarming statistics, with 5,804 family cases registered in the family courts of Rawalpindi during this period. Among these cases, 210 husbands sought reconciliation after their wives left due to family conflicts, while 2,393 divorces were granted by the courts, with 78 women being instructed to return to their husbands.

The situation is exacerbated by the backlog of over 10,000 pending family cases in Rawalpindi's family courts, with each judge handling an average of 50 to 70 cases daily. Experts attribute this trend to the growing influence of social media platforms on relationships, emphasizing the need for greater scrutiny on internet access for girls and advocating for educational and professional qualifications for parents and siblings.

Further research conducted in the Pothohar region of Punjab revealed a positive trend in girls' higher education, leading to a shift in traditional gender roles. While girls are pursuing higher education and aiming for professional success, societal pressures and outdated norms often force them into marriages that result in domestic violence and discord.

Stories like Sania, Hareem, Nimat Bibi, and Nida highlight the harrowing experiences faced by educated women in marriages marred by violence, control, and lack of respect. These narratives underscore the urgent need for societal change, where women are empowered to make choices based on their aspirations and not societal expectations.