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Shoaib Anjum Advocate High Court, 4-U, Makkah Tower, 13-Fane Road, Near Masjid Gate, High Court Lahore, Vehari (2026)

12/07/2026

FIA LAWS

FIA LAWS IN PAKISTAN
Introduction

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is Pakistan's premier federal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting specified federal offences, including cybercrime, immigration offences, human trafficking, financial crimes, corruption, money laundering, and certain transnational crimes. It was established under the FIA Act, 1974.

Major Laws Enforced by the FIA

The FIA investigates and enforces offences under various federal statutes, including:

FIA Act, 1974 – Establishes the FIA and defines its powers and functions.
Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016 – Governs cybercrime offences such as hacking, online fraud, identity theft, cyberstalking, cyber harassment, and unauthorized access to information systems.
Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010 – Investigation of money laundering and related financial offences.
Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018 – Deals with human trafficking offences.
Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act, 2018 – Covers offences relating to migrant smuggling.
Emigration Ordinance, 1979 – Regulates overseas employment promoters and emigration-related offences.
Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 – FIA investigates certain offences assigned to it under federal jurisdiction.
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 – Governs criminal investigations and court proceedings.
Investigation for Fair Trial Act, 2013 – Provides a legal framework for obtaining warrants for certain surveillance and investigative measures in appropriate cases.
FIA Jurisdiction

The FIA investigates offences relating to:

Cybercrime and online fraud.
Financial and banking fraud.
Money laundering.
Human trafficking.
Smuggling of migrants.
Passport and immigration offences.
Intellectual property offences assigned to it.
International and organized crime.
Interpol coordination.
Certain anti-corruption matters within its jurisdiction.
Common Cybercrime Offences

Under PECA, common offences include:

Hacking.
Identity theft.
Electronic fraud.
Cyber harassment.
Cyberstalking.
Data theft.
Online blackmail and extortion.
Unauthorized access to information systems.
Malicious interference with data or systems.
Filing a Complaint

A complaint may generally be submitted by:

Visiting the relevant FIA office or competent cybercrime authority.
Filing an online complaint through the official complaint system.
Providing all available evidence, including screenshots, emails, messages, transaction records, URLs, and device information where relevant.

For official information and complaint procedures, visit:

Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
FIA Cyber Crime Wing Information
Legal Representation

A person who is summoned, investigated, or prosecuted by the FIA has the right to obtain legal representation and should seek legal advice promptly, particularly in matters involving cybercrime, financial investigations, or other federal offences.

Ch. Shoaib Anjum
Advocate High Court

Services:

FIA & Cybercrime Cases
Bail Matters
Online Fraud Cases
Cyber Harassment & Blackmail
Banking & Financial Crime Matters
Immigration & Passport Cases
Criminal & Civil Litigation

Contact: 0312 6811013

12/07/2026

PROXY MARRIAGE

A proxy marriage is a marriage in which one or both parties are not physically present at the Nikah ceremony and instead appoint another person (known as a Wakil or attorney) to represent them and accept the marriage on their behalf.

Under Islamic law, a Nikah may be concluded through a duly authorized representative, provided all the essential legal requirements of a valid marriage are fulfilled.

Is Proxy Marriage Legal in Pakistan?

Yes. A proxy marriage can be legally valid in Pakistan if it complies with:

Islamic principles governing Nikah.
The relevant provisions of the Muslim Family Laws applicable in Pakistan.
The applicable Nikah registration procedures.
Essential Requirements

A valid proxy marriage generally requires:

Free and voluntary consent of both bride and groom.
Appointment of an authorized Wakil (attorney/representative).
Clear authority given to the Wakil to contract the marriage.
Offer (Ijab) and acceptance (Qabool) made in the same meeting.
Presence of the required witnesses.
Specification of the dower (Haq Mehr).
Proper registration of the Nikah by the authorized Nikah Registrar.
When is a Proxy Marriage Used?

Proxy marriages are commonly used when:

One party is living abroad.
A spouse cannot travel due to employment or immigration issues.
Medical or other exceptional circumstances prevent attendance.
Urgent family or legal circumstances make personal attendance impracticable.
Documents Commonly Required

Depending on the circumstances, the following documents may be required:

CNIC or Passport of both parties.
Passport-sized photographs.
Special Power of Attorney (where one party appoints a representative).
Copy of the Power of Attorney, if executed abroad, duly authenticated as required.
CNIC copies of witnesses.
Nikahnama and supporting documents required by the Nikah Registrar.
Important Legal Considerations
The consent of both parties must be genuine and free from coercion.
The Wakil must act strictly within the authority granted.
The Power of Attorney should clearly authorize the representative to conclude the marriage.
Where documents are executed outside Pakistan, they may need notarization, attestation, or consular authentication depending on the country and the intended use in Pakistan.
Proper registration of the Nikah is essential for official recognition.
Legal Assistance

Professional legal guidance can help ensure that:

Ch. Shoaib Anjum
Advocate High Court
0312 6811013

12/07/2026

CHILD CUSTODY

What is Child Custody?

Child custody is the legal right and responsibility to care for, raise, and make decisions regarding a minor child. In Pakistan, child custody matters are decided by the Family Courts, with the welfare and best interests of the child being the paramount consideration.

Applicable Laws
Guardians and Wards Act, 1890
West Pakistan Family Courts Act, 1964 (as applicable)
Relevant provisions of Muslim personal law
Judicial precedents of the Supreme Court and High Courts of Pakistan
Who Can Apply?

A petition for custody or guardianship may be filed by:

Father
Mother
Grandparents
Other close relatives, where appropriate
Any person genuinely concerned with the welfare of the child
Factors Considered by the Court

The Family Court considers several factors, including:

Welfare and best interests of the child.
Age and gender of the child.
Emotional, physical, educational, and moral well-being.
Financial capacity of the parties.
Character and conduct of each parent.
Child's own preference, where the child is of sufficient age and maturity.
Safe and stable living environment.
Any history of abuse, neglect, or violence.
Mother's Right of Custody

Generally, under Muslim personal law, the mother is entitled to custody (Hizanat) of a young child, subject to her continuing eligibility and the child's welfare. However, this is not an absolute rule, and the Family Court may award custody to the father or another suitable guardian if doing so better serves the child's welfare.

Father's Rights

The father is generally regarded as the natural guardian of the minor's person and property under applicable law. He may seek custody, guardianship, or visitation rights, and the court will determine the matter based on the child's welfare rather than the rights of either parent alone.

Visitation Rights

Where custody is granted to one parent, the other parent is ordinarily entitled to reasonable visitation or meeting rights unless such contact would be contrary to the child's welfare.

Court Procedure
Filing of a custody or guardianship petition.
Issuance of notice to the respondent.
Submission of written statement.
Recording of evidence by both parties.
Hearing of arguments.
Decision by the Family Court.
Enforcement of the court's orders, if necessary.
Important Principle

Pakistani courts consistently hold that the welfare of the minor is the supreme and overriding consideration in every custody dispute. No parent has an automatic or absolute right to custody merely by virtue of being the mother or the father.

Need Legal Assistance?

Ch. Shoaib Anjum
Advocate High Court

Services:

Child Custody Cases
Guardianship Petitions
Visitation Rights
Khula & Divorce
Maintenance
Family Disputes
Court Marriage
Property & Civil Litigation

Contact: 0312 6811013

12/07/2026

DIVORCE CERTIFICATE

In Pakistan, a Divorce Certificate is an official document issued by the relevant Union Council, Municipal Committee, Metropolitan Corporation, or Cantonment Board after the legal divorce process has been completed in accordance with the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961.

What is a Divorce Certificate?

A Divorce Certificate is proof that:

A valid divorce (Talaq) has been effected in accordance with Pakistani law.
The statutory reconciliation process has been completed.
The divorce has become effective.
The parties are legally recognized as divorced.
Legal Procedure
The husband pronounces Talaq.
A written Notice of Talaq is sent to the Chairman of the concerned Union Council and a copy is served upon the wife, as required under Section 7 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961.
The Union Council constitutes or initiates reconciliation proceedings.
A statutory period of 90 days is observed from the date the Chairman receives the notice (or until the end of pregnancy if the wife is pregnant, where applicable).
If reconciliation fails, the Union Council issues a Divorce Effectiveness Certificate (Divorce Certificate).
Documents Generally Required
CNIC copies of both spouses.
Copy of the Nikahnama.
Written Talaq notice.
Proof that the notice was submitted to the Union Council.
Passport-size photographs (if required by the local authority).
Relevant application forms and prescribed fee (if applicable).
Importance of the Divorce Certificate
It serves as official proof of divorce.
It is often required for remarriage.
It may be needed for visa and immigration applications.
It is used for updating official records.
It can be produced as evidence before courts and government authorities.
If the Husband Does Not Send the Talaq Notice

Failure to notify the Union Council does not automatically invalidate the pronouncement of Talaq under all circumstances, but it can have important legal consequences, including potential penalties under the law and disputes regarding the effective date of divorce. Legal advice should be obtained based on the specific facts.

Services Offered

If you require assistance with:

Preparation of Talaq Notice;
Proceedings before the Union Council;
Obtaining a Divorce Certificate;
Khula proceedings;
Family Court litigation; or
Related family law matters,

you may consult Ch. Shoaib Anjum, Advocate High Court
Contact: 0312 6811013

12/07/2026

LEGAL NOTICE

A legal notice is a formal written communication sent by one person, company, or institution to another through an advocate or by the party itself, demanding compliance with a legal obligation
LEGAL NOTICE
before initiating court proceedings. In Pakistan, although a legal

notice is not mandatory in every type of case, it is often advisable because it gives the recipient an opportunity to resolve the dispute without litigation and can serve as evidence that a reasonable opportunity was provided.

Purpose of a Legal Notice
To formally inform the opposite party of the legal grievance.
To demand performance of a legal or contractual obligation.
To seek payment, possession, or other relief.
To provide a final opportunity for settlement before filing a case.
To create documentary evidence that a demand was made.

12/07/2026

Legal Notice

A legal notice is a formal written communication sent by one person, company, or institution to another through an advocate or by the party itself, demanding compliance with a legal obligation before initiating court proceedings. In Pakistan, although a legal notice is not mandatory in every type of case, it is often advisable because it gives the recipient an opportunity to resolve the dispute without litigation and can serve as evidence that a reasonable opportunity was provided.

Purpose of a Legal Notice
To formally inform the opposite party of the legal grievance.
To demand performance of a legal or contractual obligation.
To seek payment, possession, or other relief.
To provide a final opportunity for settlement before filing a case.
To create documentary evidence that a demand was made.

12/07/2026

# Khula Process in Pakistan –

**Khula** is the legal right of a Muslim wife to seek dissolution of her marriage through the Family Court when reconciliation with her husband is no longer possible.

# # # Step 1: Consult a Family Lawyer

The wife should consult an advocate to understand her legal rights and prepare the necessary documents.

# # # Step 2: File a Suit for Khula

A suit for dissolution of marriage (Khula) is filed before the Family Court having territorial jurisdiction. The plaint should explain the reasons why the marriage cannot continue and state that the parties cannot live together within the limits prescribed by Islam.

# # # Step 3: Court Issues Summons

The Family Court issues summons to the husband, requiring him to appear and submit a written statement.

# # # Step 4: Reconciliation Efforts

Under the Family Courts Act, the Court first attempts reconciliation between the spouses. If reconciliation succeeds, the case ends. If it fails, the proceedings continue.

# # # Step 5: Recording of Evidence

Where necessary, the Court records the evidence of the parties and considers the material available on record.

# # # Step 6: Decree of Khula

If the Court is satisfied that reconciliation has failed and the spouses cannot live together within the limits prescribed by Islam, it may pass a decree for dissolution of marriage by way of Khula. Depending on the facts of the case and the applicable law, the wife may be required to return the dower (Haq Mehr) or other benefits received from the husband.

# # # Step 7: Notice to the Union Council

After the decree, the Court sends the prescribed notice to the relevant Union Council in accordance with the law.

# # # Step 8: Effectiveness of Dissolution

The dissolution becomes effective after completion of the legal procedure under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961, including the statutory period applicable after the Union Council receives the notice.

# # Documents Commonly Required

* Original or copy of the Nikahnama (Marriage Certificate)
* CNIC of the wife
* CNIC of the husband (if available)
* Proof of residence (if required)
* Details of children, if any

# # Need Legal Assistance?

**Ch. Shoaib Anjum**
**Advocate High Court**

⚖️ Family Law | Khula | Divorce | Child Custody | Maintenance | Court Marriage | Property Matters

📞 **Call / WhatsApp:** +92 312 6811013

Shoaib Anjum Advocate High Court

12/07/2026

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