Financial Abuse by Husband — Your Rights in Pakistan

What Is Financial Abuse?

• Husband refuses to give you any household money (nafaqah)
• You have no access to any bank account or cash
• He spends on himself, friends, or other relationships while your basic needs go unmet
• He controls all income and makes you beg for necessities
• He prevents you from working or earning your own money
• He takes your income or savings without your consent
• He runs up debts in your name without your knowledge

Your Legal Right to Maintenance (Nafaqah)

• Under Islamic law and Pakistani statute, a husband is obligated to provide nafaqah — food, shelter, clothing, and medical care — regardless of the wife's own wealth
• If he fails, you can file a maintenance suit in Family Court
• Courts can order immediate interim maintenance while the case is heard
• Arrears of maintenance can be recovered as a debt — courts can attach his salary or property
• The Family Courts Act 1964 provides fast-track maintenance proceedings

Your Mehr (Dower) Rights

• Your mehr is a debt owed to you by your husband — it is yours, always
• If unpaid, you can sue for it in Family Court at any time during the marriage
• Your mehr is protected even in divorce — you receive it before any division of assets
• Check your nikah nama for the agreed mehr amount

How to Take Action