ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has welcomed a landmark Supreme Court judgment authored by Justice Ayesha A. Malik, which reaffirms women’s right to seek Khula and recognises psychological abuse as a valid ground for the dissolution of marriage.
NCSW Chairperson Ume Laila Azhar described the verdict as a “progressive step” towards a fair and gender-sensitive interpretation of family law. She said the court’s recognition of emotional and psychological cruelty as equal in seriousness to physical abuse represents a major milestone in protecting women’s dignity and well-being within marriage.
The Chairperson noted that the decision upholds constitutional and Islamic principles of justice and equality by reaffirming that Khula is an independent right of a woman and does not depend on her husband’s consent. The ruling, she said, strengthens women’s right to self-determination and ensures that their mental and emotional health are given due consideration in family courts.
NCSW also praised the Supreme Court’s emphasis on using gender-sensitive language and discouraging patriarchal reasoning in judicial decisions. The Commission said such progressive interpretations are vital to ensuring women’s equal access to justice.
Terming emotional and psychological violence as one of the most damaging yet invisible forms of domestic abuse, NCSW said the ruling marks a significant advancement in acknowledging the full spectrum of harm faced by women in marital relationships.
