What Does the Law Say About Second Marriage in Pakistan?
Permission of Second Marriage in Pakistan is a deeply rooted institution in Pakistani society, governed by a mix of religious principles and codified civil laws. While Islam permits a Muslim man to marry up to four wives under specific conditions, the state has introduced legal regulations to control the practice. In Pakistan, second marriage is legally allowed for Muslim men, but it is subject to strict legal requirements . For women, second marriage is allowed only after divorce or death of the first husband, and there are no provisions for polygamy. This essay examines the legal provisions, procedures, and implications related to second marriage in Pakistan under Islamic and statutory laws, as well as the penalties for non-compliance. Legal Framework Governing Second Marriage In Pakistan, second marriages are regulated under the following laws: Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961 (MFLO) Family Courts Act, 1964 Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), 1860 (for punishment of vio...