Lahore High Court Rules Wife Can Claim Haq Mehr Anytime If Payment Time Not Mentioned

Lahore, March 24, 2026: The Lahore High Court has given an important decision regarding Haq Mehr, saying that if the time of payment is not written in the Nikahnama, the husband must pay it whenever the wife demands.

The written judgment was issued by Justice Abid Hussain and consists of six pages. The court clearly stated that Haq Mehr is the legal right of a wife and cannot be delayed without reason.

The case was filed by a woman who demanded her dowry items and Haq Mehr of five tola gold from her husband. Earlier, the Family Court had ordered the husband to pay Rs5,000 per month as maintenance and also pay the Haq Mehr. However, the court rejected her claim regarding dowry items.

Both husband and wife later challenged the Family Court’s decision in a higher court. The woman argued that the decision regarding Haq Mehr was incorrect and her right was not fully given.

After reviewing the case, the Lahore High Court set aside the trial court’s decision that had refused to grant the Haq Mehr amount. The court ruled in favor of the woman and approved her request for payment of Haq Mehr.

At the same time, the court upheld the appellate court’s decision regarding maintenance and dowry. It declared that the earlier ruling on dowry was correct and did not need any change.

The court also clarified an important legal point. It said that even if the marriage has not ended, the wife still has the full right to receive her Haq Mehr.

This decision is being seen as an important step for protecting women’s rights in Pakistan. Legal experts say it will help many women who face delays in getting their Haq Mehr after marriage.