Husband Taking a Second Wife — Your Rights Under Pakistani Law

What the Law Says — MFLO 1961 Section 6

• Before marrying again, a husband must apply to the Union Council Arbitration Council for permission
• The Arbitration Council must determine whether the proposed marriage is necessary and just
• The first wife must be informed and her position considered
• A husband who marries again without this permission is guilty of a criminal offence: imprisonment up to 1 year or fine up to Rs 5,000 (and also immediately liable to pay the first wife's deferred mehr)
• The second marriage is not automatically void — but the process violation is criminal

If Your Husband Has Secretly Married Again

• File a complaint at the Union Council — they are required to investigate
• File an FIR at the local police station under MFLO 1961 Section 6
• Apply to Family Court for immediate payment of deferred mehr — legally triggered by the second marriage
• Seek maintenance for yourself and your children through Family Court
• Consider filing for khula — infidelity and second marriage without consent are valid grounds

Your Emotional Reality — Acknowledged

Finding out your husband has taken or is considering a second wife is devastating. Your pain is valid. Your feelings are valid. You are not obligated to accept this:

• You can negotiate a divorce settlement with full legal backing
• You can seek counselling to process this trauma
• You can protect your children's rights regardless of what you decide
• Rozan Counselling: 051-2890505
• Umang helpline: 0311-7786264