In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday imposed a fine of Rs. 100,000 on a husband for delaying the payment of Mahr to his wife. The court also declared that the husband is obliged to pay the Mahr whenever the wife demands it. The decision was issued in a case filed by a woman named Samina, who had sought the court's intervention after her husband, Khalid Parvez, failed to pay her the agreed-upon dowry amount. The court, in its judgment, noted that Parvez had unnecessarily delayed the payment of dowry for six years, causing mental anguish and hardship to his wife. The Supreme Court's decision is a significant step in upholding the rights of women in Pakistan.  Mahr is a mandatory payment that a Muslim husband must make to his wife at the time of marriage. The amount of dowry is typically negotiated between the families of the bride and groom.In its decision, the Supreme Court emphasized that dowry is a Shariah requirement and is protected under the laws of Pakistan. The court also clarified that if the time of dowry payment is not specified in the marriage contract, the wife can demand it at any time.The court's decision is expected to have a deterrent effect on husbands who delay or refuse to pay dowry to their wives. It is also a reminder that women have the right to demand and receive their rightful dowry payments.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)