In a significant move, the Rawalpindi administration has officially banned the registration of court and love marriages, tightening regulations to address the rising trend of independent unions.
According to a new directive by the Local Government Department, all union councils have been instructed not to register Nikah Namas (marriage certificates) that are conducted within district or tehsil courts. The order states that any registrar or staff found violating this policy will face strict legal action, including suspension, arrest, or license cancellation.
Officials explained that this decision follows a surge in court marriages, often carried out without family consent. Many such cases involve women seeking Khula (divorce) or choosing partners independently. Between January and September 2025, reports indicate that over 1,590 women left their homes to marry by choice—many traveling from other regions to Rawalpindi, which had become a preferred hub for such unions.
The administration believes this ban will restore accountability in the marriage registration process and ensure that all unions follow official legal channels. Authorities also urged citizens to register marriages through their respective union councils, emphasizing that proper documentation protects the legal and social rights of both partners and helps avoid future complications.
