Divorce Rate is Rising in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the primary causes of divorce are often linked to social and economic pressures. Despite a steady increase in divorce cases within the country, the overall rate remains comparatively lower than in many other parts of the world.

Why are divorce rates lower in some countries?

Globally, some nations report remarkably low divorce figures. For instance, India has one of the lowest rates at just 0.1%. Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Peru stand at 0.2%, South Africa at 0.4%, while Malta and Guatemala report 0.6%. Venezuela and Ireland follow at 0.7%, and Hungary at 0.8%. These percentages represent the number of divorces per 1,000 married couples. In 2022, India ranked as the country with the lowest divorce rate worldwide. Experts note that no single factor explains such trends; instead, cultural, social, legal, and economic conditions all contribute.

Where are divorce rates the highest?

At the other end of the spectrum, countries like the Maldives, Kazakhstan, Russia, Georgia, Lithuania, the United States, Belarus, China, Cuba, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Ukraine, and Canada report significantly higher rates. Among them, the Maldives records the highest rate, largely because divorce proceedings there are inexpensive and straightforward. In developed countries such as Luxembourg, Sweden, Finland, Ukraine, and the UK, rates are also considerably higher. Data shows that divorce is most prevalent in Northern Europe and parts of the Russian Federation, with Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Luxembourg among the countries with the steepest figures.

Is economic dependency a reason for lower divorce rates?

According to a recent report, Punjab has witnessed a 34% rise in divorce cases over the last five years. In Rawalpindi alone, district courts registered nearly 4,980 divorce petitions this year, including 1,170 khula cases filed by women, despite almost 27,000 other cases already in trial. Surveys indicate that many of these divorces were filed by individuals married to partners living abroad. Major causes behind marital breakdowns include lack of tolerance, poor communication, and extramarital relationships.

In rural areas, divorce rates remain lower compared to urban centres. Social pressures and financial dependence force many women to continue marriages they neither entered by choice nor can end on their own. In cities, however, factors like greater social exposure, education, and economic independence make individuals less hesitant to pursue divorce when faced with marital conflict. Reports suggest that over 85% of marriages in Pakistan are arranged, while only around 5% are based on personal choice.

Has divorce really risen at an alarming rate in Pakistan?

There is little doubt that divorce rates are rising across Pakistan, though the scale varies by region. A Gallup survey conducted this year found that only 21% of respondents had witnessed or heard of a divorce among close relatives or acquaintances in the past six months. In Sindh, however, divorce cases reportedly increased by as much as 700% in 2020.

Reliable data from provinces other than Punjab is limited, but social experts warn that many marriages across the country are on the brink of collapse. Women’s lack of economic independence often serves as a temporary stabiliser, preventing complete breakdown. Analysts argue that for the well-being of society, it is essential to integrate women more actively into social and economic systems, ensure their independence, and promote broader awareness about marital responsibilities.