Khula Procedure in Pakistan – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Learn everything about the Khula procedure in Pakistan in this complete guide. Understand the process, time, fees, documents, and how to apply online—especially for overseas Pakistanis.

Jul 25, 2025 - 10:41

Khula Procedure in Pakistan – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Some are likely to be at a difficult stage in their marriage when they search how to apply Khula in Pakistan. Calm down and take a deep breath--there is nothing to panic about because you are not the only one. Most of us have heard of Khula, but few of us understand the Khula process in Pakistan how long it will take or what are the requirements and documents you have to provide, what will be your right and how can you make your application online, irrespective of whether you are in Pakistan or an overseas Pakistani woman.

Today, we will go into it.

Understanding Khula in Pakistan

What is Khula?

In simple terms, Khula is a woman’s legal right in Islam to seek a divorce from her husband through the court when the marriage becomes unbearable. Unlike a Talaq, which is a divorce initiated by the husband, Khula is initiated by the wife.

Difference Between Khula and Divorce

This is one area where many people get confused. Divorce (Talaq) is a husband's right, while Khula is a woman’s right. In Khula, the wife approaches a Family Court, stating her reasons, and if granted, she may have to return her Haq Mehr (dower) or any agreed compensation.

Legal Framework: Khula Under Pakistani Law

Khula in Pakistani Family Law

The Khula procedure in Pakistan is governed under the West Pakistan Family Courts Act 1964. It gives a woman the legal right to dissolve her marriage through judicial intervention if reconciliation isn’t possible.

Khula Procedure in Islam

Islam recognizes the importance of harmony in marriage but also allows room for separation if that harmony breaks. The Divorce procedure in Islam involves the wife returning part or all of her dower (mehr) and requesting the court to dissolve the marriage when living with the husband becomes impossible.

Step-by-Step Khula Procedure in Pakistan

Alright, now let’s get into the nuts and bolts of the process.

Step 1: Filing a Khula Application

This is the first formal step. The wife needs to file a Suit for Dissolution of Marriage on the grounds of Khula.

Where to File

You need to submit your Khula application in the Family Court located in the city or district where either you or your husband resides.

Required Documents (Khula Papers in Pakistan)

Here’s what you’ll typically need:

CNIC copy of wife
Marriage certificate (Nikahnama)
Details of the husband (CNIC copy, address)
Grounds for Khula (irreconcilable differences, abuse, etc.)
Power of Attorney (for overseas Pakistanis)

Step 2: Issuance of Khula Notice to Husband

Once the application is accepted, the court sends a Khula notice to husband through summons, informing him about the case. He has the right to appear and respond.

Step 3: Reconciliation Process

The court will try to reconcile the spouses by setting one or more hearings. If both parties agree to reconcile, the case is dismissed.

Step 4: Court Hearing and Decree

If reconciliation fails, the judge will hear both sides. If convinced that the relationship cannot continue, the court will pass a Khula decree.

Step 5: Registration of Khula Certificate

Once the decree is granted, it needs to be registered with the Union Council. This finalizes the dissolution, and you’re legally divorced.

Khula Process Time in Pakistan

Let’s be real—this isn’t an overnight thing.

The Khula process time in Pakistan typically takes 2 to 6 months, depending on the court's workload, the husband's response, and whether reconciliation hearings are prolonged.

Khula Fees in Pakistan

Worried about costs?

The Khula fees in Pakistan can vary:

Court fee: PKR 100–500
Lawyer’s fee: PKR 20,000–100,000 (depending on complexity and location)

You can reduce costs by filing on your own, but hiring a lawyer helps avoid technical mistakes.

Apply for Khula Online Free – Is It Possible?

Let’s bust this myth.

Apply for Khula Online in Pakistan

There is no entirely online process for Khula right now, but you can initiate the process online by:

Contacting a family lawyer via WhatsApp or email
Submitting scanned documents
Signing a Power of Attorney if you live abroad

How to File Khula in Pakistan Online

To file Khula online, you’ll need a legal representative who can:

Draft and file your case
Attend court on your behalf
Collect your Khula certificate after the decree

Overseas Pakistani Khula Process

Living abroad? No worries—you can still apply.

Khula for Overseas Pakistani Women

Overseas Pakistani women have full rights under Pakistani law to initiate a Khula case. You just need to:

Appoint a trusted relative/lawyer through a notarized Power of Attorney
Share your documents online
Follow up via video calls or email

Appointing a Lawyer in Pakistan

Choose someone who:

Specializes in Khula Pakistan family law
Can provide bilingual support
Offers online consultation

Rights of Women After Khula

Many women ask—what happens after Khula?

Here’s what you should know:

You can remarry after the iddat period (approx. 3 months)
Child custody is usually granted to the mother unless proven unfit
You may have to return Haq Mehr
You’re entitled to maintenance (if applicable) until Khula decree is finalized

Common Misconceptions About Khula

Let’s clear up a few myths:

❌ Khula is un-Islamic – Totally false. Islam permits it.
❌ Women lose all rights after Khula – Not true.
❌ Only men can file for divorce – Women can file too—through Khula.
❌ Khula is very expensive – It doesn’t have to be with the right guidance.

Final Thoughts

The process of Khula in Pakistan may appear as an unnerving one, yet when you go through each step by step, things are a whole lot easier to deal with. As a resident of Pakistan or abroad, you are entitled to the law, and all you have to do is call or click.

Do not sweat it out alone. Change that initial move to a tranquil self-sufficient life.