The nikah nama is a legally binding marriage contract under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 — and its columns let a woman secure enforceable rights, including her Haq Mehr, maintenance terms, conditions of the marriage, and (in Column 18) the delegated right of divorce (talaq-e-tafweez). Yet surveys show most Pakistanis don’t know these clauses exist, and columns are routinely crossed out by nikah registrars without the bride’s knowledge.
Before you sign, understand what each key clause of the nikah nama does — because rights not written at nikah are far harder to claim later.
Haq Mehr is the wife’s absolute right, not a formality. The nikah nama records its amount and whether it is prompt (mu’ajjal) — payable on demand — or deferred (mu’wajjal) — payable on dissolution or death. Record the real agreed amount and form (cash, gold, property). An unpaid prompt Mehr is recoverable through the Family Court.
Column 17 allows lawful conditions to be written into the contract — for example the wife’s right to continue education or work, the city of residence, or financial arrangements. Properly drafted conditions are enforceable as contract terms.
Column 18 asks whether the husband delegates the right of divorce to the wife. If “yes” is recorded, the wife can dissolve the marriage herself without filing a khula case and without returning her Mehr — the single most powerful protection available in the nikah nama. Do not allow this column to be crossed out without discussion.
This column can record any agreed curtailment of the husband’s right to pronounce talaq, adding a further layer of protection.
The nikah nama can record maintenance (nafaqah) arrangements, and the law separately requires a husband seeking a second marriage to obtain permission from the Arbitration Council with the existing wife’s consent — a violation gives the wife legal remedies including grounds for dissolution.
What is Column 18 of the nikah nama?
It records whether the husband delegates the right of divorce (talaq-e-tafweez) to the wife — allowing her to dissolve the marriage without a khula case.
Can conditions be added to a nikah nama?
Yes — Column 17 allows lawful special conditions, which are enforceable as terms of the marriage contract.
Is unpaid Haq Mehr recoverable?
Yes. Prompt Mehr is payable on demand and recoverable through the Family Court; deferred Mehr becomes payable on dissolution or death.
Can a nikah nama be changed after marriage?
Core entries are fixed at nikah, which is why reviewing before signing matters; some rights can still be secured later through agreements or court, with legal advice.
Is an unregistered nikah valid?
The marriage may be valid, but non-registration creates serious evidentiary problems — always register with the Union Council.
Want your nikah nama reviewed or drafted to protect your rights? Saleem & Saleem’s family lawyers advise brides, grooms and families before the big day.
Tenant and landlord rights in Pakistan are governed by provincial rented-premises laws (such as the Punjab Rented Premises Act 2009 and the Sindh Rented Premises Ordinance 1979), which require a written, registered tenancy agreement and set out the lawful grounds and procedure for eviction through the Rent Controller. A landlord cannot forcibly evict a tenant without an order, and a tenant cannot stay without paying rent — the law protects both sides when the agreement is documented.
A proper tenancy agreement should be written, signed, witnessed and registered with the relevant authority, and should record: the parties’ CNICs, the premises, monthly rent and due date, the security deposit and its refund terms, the tenancy period, annual increase (commonly around 10% or as agreed), maintenance responsibilities, and notice periods. Unwritten tenancies are the root of most landlord-tenant litigation.
Provinces continue to push registration of tenancy agreements and tenant verification with the local police — both protect landlords (verified occupant, enforceable deed) and tenants (proof of lawful tenancy). Unregistered agreements weaken both sides’ positions in court.
Can a landlord evict a tenant without a court order in Pakistan?
No. Eviction requires lawful grounds and an order of the Rent Controller/court; forcible eviction is illegal.
What are valid grounds for eviction?
Common grounds include default in rent, subletting without consent, misuse of premises, expiry of the agreed term, and the landlord’s genuine personal need.
Is a verbal tenancy valid?
It may create a tenancy in fact, but it is hard to enforce and risky — a written, registered agreement protects both parties.
How much can rent be increased?
As per the agreement — commonly an annual increase around 10% — or as the applicable provincial law provides.
What happens to the security deposit?
It is refundable at handover per the agreement, less lawful deductions for damage or unpaid dues.
Rent dispute, eviction case or drafting a watertight tenancy agreement? Saleem & Saleem represents landlords and tenants before Rent Controllers across Pakistan.
Bail in Pakistan is the release of an accused person from custody against an undertaking (usually with sureties) to appear before the court — governed mainly by Sections 496–498 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. In bailable offences bail is a right; in non-bailable offences it is the court’s discretion; and a person fearing arrest in a false case can seek pre-arrest (anticipatory) bail before being taken into custody.
Pre-arrest bail protects a person from arrest in a case registered (or about to be registered) with mala fide intent, ulterior motive or false accusation. The petition is filed before the Court of Session or High Court; the court usually grants interim bail on the first hearing (requiring attendance at each hearing) and then confirms or dismisses it after hearing the prosecution. The petitioner must generally show that the case is motivated and that arrest would cause irreparable harm to dignity or liberty.
After arrest, the accused applies for bail before the Magistrate/Trial Court; if declined, the application moves up to the Court of Session, then the High Court, and ultimately the Supreme Court. Key factors: the strength of evidence, whether the offence falls within the prohibitory clause, delay in trial, the accused’s health and record, and whether the case calls for further inquiry.
The court fixes a bond amount and typically requires one or two sureties — responsible persons who guarantee the accused’s appearance, supported by documents like CNIC and proof of means. Professional “stock sureties” should be avoided; genuine sureties protect the accused’s bail from objections.
What is the difference between pre-arrest and post-arrest bail?
Pre-arrest bail (Section 498) protects a person from arrest in a mala fide case before custody; post-arrest bail seeks release after arrest.
Is bail a right in Pakistan?
In bailable offences, yes. In non-bailable offences it is discretionary, though courts treat bail as the rule and refusal as the exception in cases of further inquiry.
Which court do I apply to for bail?
Post-arrest: Magistrate/Trial Court, then Sessions, then High Court. Pre-arrest: Court of Session or High Court.
Can bail be cancelled?
Yes — for tampering with evidence, threatening witnesses, absconding or breaching conditions, on the prosecution’s or complainant’s application.
Do women get special consideration in bail?
Yes — the law and courts extend special consideration to women, minors, and sick or infirm accused in non-bailable offences.
Facing arrest or a false FIR? Saleem & Saleem’s criminal defence team files urgent pre-arrest and post-arrest bail across Pakistan.
To register an FIR in Pakistan, report the cognizable offence at the police station with jurisdiction — under Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure the officer in charge is legally bound to record your report, read it back to you, take your signature and give you a free copy. If police refuse, the law gives you direct remedies, including an application to the Justice of Peace under Section 22-A CrPC.
This guide explains how to register an FIR in Pakistan, what it must contain, your rights, and the exact escalation path when police won’t cooperate.
The First Information Report (FIR) is the first recorded information of a cognizable offence — crimes like theft, robbery, assault or fraud where police can investigate and arrest without prior court permission. It sets the criminal process in motion. It is not proof of guilt, and for non-cognizable matters the police record a different entry and you may need a court complaint instead.
Can police refuse to register an FIR?
They are bound to register a report of a cognizable offence under Section 154 CrPC; if they refuse, escalate to the SSP, apply under Section 22-A to the Justice of Peace, or file a private complaint before the Magistrate.
Is there a fee for FIR registration?
No. FIR registration and your copy of the FIR are free.
Can I register an FIR online in Pakistan?
Several provinces (notably Punjab) offer online complaint portals; serious matters still typically require attendance at the police station.
What if the FIR against me is false?
You can pursue quashment before the High Court and remedies against malicious prosecution — consult a criminal lawyer immediately.
Does an FIR mean the accused is guilty?
No. An FIR only initiates investigation; guilt is decided by the court after trial.
The First Information Report (FIR) is the first recorded information of a cognizable offence — crimes like theft, robbery, assault or fraud where police can investigate and arrest without prior court permission. It sets the criminal process in motion. It is not proof of guilt, and for non-cognizable matters the police record a different entry and you may need a court complaint instead.
Can police refuse to register an FIR?
They are bound to register a report of a cognizable offence under Section 154 CrPC; if they refuse, escalate to the SSP, apply under Section 22-A to the Justice of Peace, or file a private complaint before the Magistrate.
Is there a fee for FIR registration?
No. FIR registration and your copy of the FIR are free.
Can I register an FIR online in Pakistan?
Several provinces (notably Punjab) offer online complaint portals; serious matters still typically require attendance at the police station.
What if the FIR against me is false?
You can pursue quashment before the High Court and remedies against malicious prosecution — consult a criminal lawyer immediately.
Does an FIR mean the accused is guilty?
No. An FIR only initiates investigation; guilt is decided by the court after trial.
Police refusing your FIR, or a false FIR filed against you? Saleem & Saleem’s criminal team handles 22-A petitions, quashment and trial defence.
Court marriage in Pakistan is not a separate type of marriage — it is a normal Nikah performed before a licensed Nikah Registrar with legal documentation and Union Council registration, giving the couple full legal protection. Two adults marrying by free consent can usually complete a court marriage within a single day, and NADRA issues the computerized marriage certificate within days of Union Council registration.
This guide explains the complete court marriage procedure in Pakistan for 2026 — who is eligible, the documents required, step-by-step process, costs, and the legal protections it provides.
Many people imagine a judge performing the marriage inside a courtroom. In reality, a court marriage is a Nikah (with Ijab-o-Qubool, witnesses and Haq Mehr) solemnized by a licensed Nikah Khawan / Registrar, combined with affidavits of free will and registration with the Union Council. The result is a marriage that is both religiously valid and fully recognised by Pakistani law.
Costs vary by city, lawyer and urgency (same-day service costs more). With documents ready and an appointment booked, the ceremony itself can be completed within about an hour, with registration and the NADRA certificate following within days.
A properly documented court marriage protects both spouses: it proves free consent (which matters if family members later allege kidnapping or coercion), prevents interference, and creates the official record needed for spousal rights, visas and inheritance. Where a false FIR is lodged against a couple, the marriage record and the bride’s statement can support quashment proceedings.
Is court marriage legal in Pakistan?
Yes — when the couple are consenting adults and complete the Nikah, affidavits and Union Council registration, the marriage is fully valid in law and in Islam.
Can we do a court marriage without parents’ permission?
Adults marrying of their own free will do not legally require parental consent, though a lawyer will document consent carefully for the couple’s protection.
How long does court marriage take?
The ceremony can be completed within a day; Union Council registration and the NADRA certificate typically follow within days.
What is the court marriage fee in Pakistan?
Fees vary by city and urgency — ask for a written quote covering the registrar, affidavits, registration and certificate.
Is a court marriage valid in Islam?
Yes — it fulfils the requirements of a valid Nikah: consent, witnesses and Haq Mehr, performed by a licensed Nikah Khawan.
Overseas Pakistanis in the UK, USA, Canada, UAE, Saudi Arabia or Europe can obtain a legally valid Pakistani divorce — talaq (by the husband) or khula (by the wife) — without travelling to Pakistan, by appointing a lawyer through a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) attested at the Pakistani embassy or consulate. The process ends with a NADRA-recognised Divorce Certificate valid both in Pakistan and abroad.
Overseas divorces are governed by the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 and related family law. Physical presence in Pakistan is not required — the entire matter can be handled remotely through a properly authorised representative.
The final NADRA Divorce Certificate is what makes the divorce provable abroad — required for remarriage, visa and immigration processes. Skipping Union Council registration means the divorce is not legally complete, even if talaq was pronounced.
Can I get divorced in Pakistan while living abroad?
Yes. Through a Special Power of Attorney attested at the Pakistani consulate, a lawyer can handle talaq or khula without you travelling.
Is an overseas Pakistani divorce internationally valid?
The resulting NADRA Divorce Certificate is legally valid in Pakistan and recognised in countries such as the UK, USA, Canada and UAE.
How long does the overseas divorce process take?
The Union Council’s mandatory 90-day period applies after the notice/decree, plus processing and courier time.
Do both spouses need to be abroad?
No. The process works whether one or both parties are overseas.
What is the most important final document?
The NADRA Divorce Certificate — needed for remarriage, visa and immigration purposes.
Living abroad and need a Pakistani divorce? Saleem & Saleem handles overseas talaq and khula via Power of Attorney end-to-end.
When someone gives you a cheque that bounces for a loan, debt or obligation, you can pursue a criminal case under Section 489-F of the Pakistan Penal Code, which makes dishonestly issuing a cheque that is dishonored a punishable offence carrying up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. In practice, a well-drafted legal notice and a criminal complaint together are the fastest route to pressure repayment.
Section 489-F applies where a person dishonestly issues a cheque towards repayment of a loan or fulfilment of an obligation and the cheque is dishonoured on presentation. The dishonest intent and the underlying obligation are central — a cheque given as a gift or without an obligation may not qualify.
Many creditors run both in parallel: the criminal case for pressure, the civil suit for recovery.
Conviction under Section 489-F can bring imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both — which is why the threat of a properly filed case often prompts settlement.
What is Section 489-F in Pakistan?
It criminalizes dishonestly issuing a cheque toward a loan or obligation that is then dishonored, with punishment up to three years, a fine, or both.
Can I recover my money through a 489-F case?
A 489-F case is criminal and creates pressure/accountability; to actually recover the amount you usually also file a civil recovery suit.
What evidence do I need for a cheque bounce case?
The original cheque, the bank’s dishonour memo, proof of the underlying obligation, and your legal notice.
Do I need to send a legal notice first?
Sending a legal notice demanding payment is strongly advisable and strengthens your case before filing.
How long does a cheque bounce case take?
It depends on court workload and whether the accused contests; complete evidence and a clear obligation speed things up.
Holding a bounced cheque? Saleem & Saleem pursues 489-F complaints and recovery suits for individuals and businesses.
To report a cybercrime in Pakistan — online harassment, blackmail, hacking, financial fraud, defamation or a fake account — you file a complaint with the cybercrime authority (the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, NCCIA, alongside the FIA framework) either online through its complaint portal or in person at a regional office, supported by evidence. Cyber offences are prosecuted under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016.
Do not delete the original chats or evidence — preserve them.
You can seek removal of harmful content, investigation of the offender, and prosecution under PECA. For urgent harassment or blackmail, act quickly and consider engaging a lawyer to draft the complaint and follow up, especially if the matter escalates to court.
Where do I report cybercrime in Pakistan in 2026?
To the national cyber crime authority (NCCIA) — online via its complaint portal or in person at a regional office — under the PECA 2016 framework.
Can I file a cybercrime complaint online?
Yes, through the official complaint portal. Keep your reference number for follow-up.
What evidence do I need for a cybercrime complaint?
Screenshots, profile/URL links, phone numbers or emails, and transaction records for fraud — preserve the originals.
Is online harassment a crime in Pakistan?
Yes. Online harassment, blackmail and related offences are punishable under PECA 2016.
Should I hire a lawyer for a cybercrime case?
For serious harassment, blackmail, fraud or cases likely to go to court, a lawyer helps draft the complaint, protect your rights and pursue prosecution.
Sensitive-topic note: If you are dealing with online blackmail or harassment and feel unsafe, prioritise your safety and reach out to trusted people and the authorities right away.
Targeted by online fraud, blackmail or defamation? Saleem & Saleem advises on cybercrime complaints and litigation.
To register a company in Pakistan you incorporate it with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) online through the eZfile portal under the Companies Act 2017 — reserve a name, submit incorporation details for all directors/shareholders, sign digitally, pay the fee, and receive a digital Certificate of Incorporation, often within 5 working days. After incorporation you must complete tax and statutory registrations.
A sole proprietorship is not an SECP company and does not carry limited liability — a common point of confusion.
Fees include a small name reservation fee, a registration application fee, and a registration fee that scales with authorised capital. Confirm the current SECP fee schedule before filing. Straightforward filings complete in about 5 working days; complex ones take 3–4 weeks.
How long does company registration take in Pakistan?
A straightforward private-limited company can be registered in about 5 working days; complex cases take 3–4 weeks.
How much does it cost to register a company with SECP?
Costs include name reservation, application and a capital-scaled registration fee — check SECP’s current schedule, as rates change.
Can I register a company online in Pakistan?
Yes. SECP’s eZfile portal allows fully online incorporation without visiting an office.
What is the difference between an SMC and a private limited company?
An SMC has one member (director + shareholder are the same person); a private limited company needs 2–50 members.
What must I do after incorporation?
Get an NTN from FBR, file the GIS and beneficial-ownership return within 30 days, and register for EOBI/social security if you have employees.
Starting a business? Saleem & Saleem handles SECP incorporation, MoA/AoA drafting and corporate compliance.
