ISLAMABAD: The rate of divorce and family disputes in the federal capital has risen sharply, with family courts reporting a continuous increase in cases and mounting pressure on the judicial system.
According to official sources, an average of 38 divorce and maintenance-related cases are being filed during every hour of court proceedings. Since January 1 this year, more than 45,000 divorce and maintenance cases have already been registered in Islamabad.
Data shared by court sources shows that over 9,000 new family-related cases are being filed every month, while more than 300 cases are added daily. The overall volume of family disputes has also shown a steady rise over the past three years, reaching 85,000 cases in 2023, increasing to 91,000 in 2024, and crossing 100,000 in 2025.
Officials further noted that court marriages are also taking place at a notable rate, with more than 30 registered daily, in the capital. However, a significant number of these marriages are not lasting long, as court records show dozens of cases in recent years where women filed for dissolution of marriage within one to three months of marriage.
Lawyers dealing with family cases say the majority of disputes involve couples who entered marriage by personal choice. They argue that the rising number of separations is linked to growing unemployment, drug abuse, and financial instability, which are increasingly affecting household stability. A senior lawyer noted that “economic pressure and substance abuse are now appearing in almost every second case we deal with,” adding that these issues are directly contributing to marital breakdown.
The surge in cases is also placing pressure on already overburdened family courts, where hearings are reportedly delayed due to workload. Legal practitioners warn that unless underlying social and economic issues are addressed, the caseload is likely to increase further in the coming years.
While the numbers continue to rise, court officials describe the trend as a reflection of broader social stress within urban families, where financial insecurity and changing social dynamics are reshaping traditional marriage structures.
