Irdum Hammad Siddiqui
Marriage in Pakistan is widely regarded as a sacred relationship founded upon love, trust, and mutual respect. Yet, behind the celebrations and cultural festivities, there exists a deeply rooted social practice that continues to burden thousands of families every year; the dowry system, that has gradually transformed into a social obligation that often results in financial exploitation, emotional suffering, and marital conflict.
The dowry system has existed in the subcontinent for decades and remains common in Pakistani society. At the time of marriage, the bride’s family is expected to provide furniture, household appliances, clothing, jewelry, cash, and other expensive items to the groom and his family. In many communities, the value of dowry is unfairly linked with the dignity and social status of the bride’s family. Consequently, marriages are no longer judged solely on compatibility and character but also on material wealth.
The misuse of dowry also has severe consequences after marriage. Women are frequently subjected to taunts, harassment, and domestic violence if the dowry provided is considered inadequate. In some cases, disputes regarding dowry become the reason for divorce or continued abuse within the household. Such practices reduce women to objects of financial exchange and contradict the values of equality and dignity guaranteed under law and religion alike.
Pakistani Law provides safeguards to these abuses in the form of; Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act 1976 to regulate wedding expenditures and protect families from exploitation. Section 3 of the Act places restrictions on the value of dowry, bridal gifts, and presents exchanged during marriage ceremonies. The purpose of this provision is to discourage unnecessary extravagance and prevent financial pressure on the bride’s family.
Furthermore, Section 5 of the same Act prohibits the display of dowry and bridal gifts in public. This provision aims to discourage social competition and the public exhibition of wealth that encourages unrealistic expectations among families.
Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961; Section 5 of the Ordinance makes registration of marriage compulsory through a Nikah Registrar. Proper registration creates legal evidence of marriage and helps protect the rights of women in marital disputes, including disputes related to dowry and bridal property. Similarly, Section 10 of the Ordinance recognizes the wife’s right to claim maintenance from her husband, reinforcing the principle that a woman’s financial security is the responsibility of the husband rather than her parental family through dowry arrangements.
Despite the existence of these legal safeguards, many families continue to violate the law openly because extravagant weddings and expensive dowries are still viewed as symbols of prestige and honor. As a result, the effectiveness of legislation is often undermined by social attitudes.
The responsibility to eliminate dowry abuse does not rest upon the government alone. Society must collectively challenge the mindset that measures a woman’s worth through material possessions. Parents should prioritize education and independence for their daughters instead of saving for lavish dowries, while young men should openly reject such demands rather than silently benefiting from them.
Marriage should represent companionship and mutual respect, not a financial transaction. Unless society abandons the culture of dowry and begins valuing simplicity and equality, countless families will continue to suffer behind the celebrations of marriage. True social progress can only be achieved when marriages are built upon character and understanding rather than wealth and material expectations.
The writer is student of second year LLB
