What is the impact of Khula on the woman’s social standing?
In Pakistan, Khula Procedure in Pakistan is a legal procedure through which a woman can obtain a divorce from her husband by relinquishing her financial rights, particularly the mahr (dower). While Khula provides a legal avenue for women to dissolve an untenable marriage, its implications extend beyond legal and financial realms, significantly affecting a woman's social standing. The social consequences of Khula are shaped by cultural norms, societal attitudes, and the prevailing legal framework. This essay explores the multifaceted impact of Khula on a woman's social standing in Pakistan, considering factors such as cultural stigma, social support systems, and changing societal attitudes. Cultural Stigma and Social Perceptions Patriarchal Norms and Divorce Stigma Pakistani society is predominantly patriarchal, with traditional norms often placing a high value on marital stability and a woman's role within the family. Divorce, including Khula, can be perceived as a failur...