Dowry (Jahez) in Pakistan: Legal Rights and Recovery

Is dowry legally required? What happens when in-laws refuse to return dowry items after divorce?

Dowry (jahez) is a cultural practice, not a legal requirement of marriage in Islam or Pakistani law. However, once given, dowry articles are the exclusive property of the bride. If the husband or in-laws retain dowry articles after divorce, the wife can file a suit in the Family Court for recovery of dowry articles. She must provide a detailed list of the items. Courts can order return of the specific articles or their monetary value. In cases of dowry-related harassment or violence, criminal remedies under PPC sections 498-A and 406 (criminal breach of trust) are available.

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