Toxic Tea

Explaining Nikahnama: Part 3
Column 18: Talaq-e-Tafweez (Delegated Right of Divorce)

When a husband delegates this right to his wife in Column 18, she “stands in the shoes of the husband” (Muhammad Hassan Sultan v. Morial Shah) and can initiate divorce through the same legal process as him. The wife can initiate talaq by sending a written notice to the Chairman of the Union Council/Arbitration Council under Section 7 & 8 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961. A copy must also be served upon the husband.

If Blank/Crossed: The wife cannot give talaq. Her only remedy is khula through Family Court, which often requires returning the mehr, the exception to returning Mehr are if the husband committed cruelty, abuse, or failed to provide maintenance.

Explaining Nikah Nama: Part 2
Column 17: Special Conditions. This is the column that can be used by women to negotiate terms.

In Muhammad Yousaf v. Huma Saeed (2024 SCMR 1078) Supreme Court held that ambiguity benefits the wife, and lack of informed consent on part of the bride renders terms unenforceable against her. Supreme Court relied on the Legal Principle: Contra Proferentem, that is an ambiguity in a contract is construed against the drafter. Since Nikah Nama is prepared by or on behalf of the husband, any unclear term in Column 17 is interpreted in favor of the wife. If Column 17 contains custody conditions, Section 17 of the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 mandates that child’s welfare is paramount. Hence, court not bound by pre-agreed terms.

Explaining Nikahnama; Part 1
Columns 13–16: Haq Mehr

Advocate Anam Mahmud Khan speaks up about the disgrace at the Lahore High Court Bar Council election: men beating a male lawyer with sticks, and a female lawyer assaulted. Violence has no place in the legal profession. The Punjab Bar Council must hold them accountable, impose criminal charges, and disbar them. Enough is enough.

Part 1: Unpacking misogyny as a system and mindset that rewards male entitlement, normalises disrespect toward women, and punishes women for confidence, authority, and refusal. You don’t need to hate women to be misogynistic. You just need to believe, consciously or unconsciously, that women owe men softness, silence, or access. Misogyny is control disguised as normal behaviour.

Oh, and women generally get angry because of disrespect, lack of boundaries, injustice, exhaustion, or simply being unheard, which, my learned counsel, has absolutely nothing to do with a signature on a nikkahnama.

In this modern world, technology is power. Let’s support women be unstoppable by making them safe, aware and empowered online. Say no to digital violence

Real men use their voice for justice and accountability. Change begins when we raise boys to be accountable.