Pakistani Women are Turning to Divorce

In conservative Pashtun society in Pakistan, it’s considered unacceptable for women to ask for a divorce.

Despite this, the number of divorce cases is on the rise with over 1000 cases filed to the court in Peshawar last year.

Back in 1998, there were only 80 cases filed.

22-year-old Masooma Sara Khan who works in a beauty salon in Peshawar filed for divorce last year.

“My marriage was neither arranged nor a love marriage. I was sold to my husband like a toy,” she recalls.

Her parents sold her for 250 US dollars.

“Every woman dreams about their wedding ceremony but my marriage was set up by my parents. The groom doesn’t love me, he just wanted to please his parents.”

Their marriage lasted for 9 years.

“I want a divorce because his older brother sexually harassed me. How can I live in the same house with him again? I’m worried for my honor in that house.”

Her case is still pending in court, but her life has become very difficult. Her parent’s didn’t allow her to come back.

And it’s also hard for her to live alone as “Nobody wants to rent a house to a woman who lives alone.”

She now lives with her friend’s family.

Last year, a famous Pashtu singer, Ghazala Javed, was killed and shot dead by her ex-husband. She’d asked for a divorce when she found out that her husband already had a wife.

“My daughter, Ghazal Javed, was shot dead near the police station,” mourns Ghazala’s mother.

“We need justice from the court and someone to support us.”

Ahmed Salim Khan is Masooma’s lawyer who has been practicing for 20 years. He says the number of divorce cases has more than doubled in the last five years.

“Poverty, violence against women and a greater awareness of women’s rights,” he explains the main reasons for women wanting to leave their husbands.

“Women have realised they have rights. They know through the media that any wife whose rights are not upheld or who experiences violence can get a divorce. That’s why they’re coming to court.”

40% of consultation in Jaamia Darwaish Islamic School, including by women, are about divorce.

To local Muslim scholar Mufti Abdul Qadeer, divorce should be the last option.

“Divorce completely destroys a society, tribe and family. Therefore, even though it is legal, it’s something that Islam frowns upon. Our religion prefers to focus on reconciliation between a husband and wife,” he says.

But according to the womens’ rights group, the Aurat Foundation, with more than 8,000 women were killed last year for many violence cases including for wanting a divorce, they should not endure a life of misery.

“Women should not tolerate violence. It is an injustice to ask women or anyone to tolerate violence,” says the Director of the Aurat Foundation, Shabina Ayaz.

“It’s wrong that our society and culture tells women that once they’re married they should accept it until death.”

Back home, Masooma rests after a long day in court. She just wants her case to end soon. She’s not worried about her children because she’s working in a beauty salon now.

But she’s worried about her own safety, she says.

“I am afraid that someone might come to my house and kill me. And outside, I’m also worried that someone might throw acid over me...”

Asia Calling reporter Mudassar Shah in Peshawar, was threatened while reporting on the issue and was told not to use an interview with one women who wants a divorce from her husband.