Divorce Certificate in Pakistan – Complete Guide
A Divorce Certificateis an official document issued in Pakistan to legally confirm the dissolution of a marriage. It is required for remarriage, visa applications, property disputes, and legal records. This guide explains how to obtain a Divorce Certificate from the Union Council, NADRA, or Pakistani embassies abroad.
1. What is a Divorce Certificate in Pakistan?
A Divorce Certificate is proof that:
✔ A Talaq, Khula, or Court-ordered divorce has been finalized
✔ The marriage has been legally terminated under Pakistani law
✔ It is registered with the Union Council or NADRA
Who Needs It?
- Individuals seeking remarriage
- Overseas Pakistanis for immigration/visa purposes
- Legal proceedings involving property or custody
2. How to Get a Divorce Certificate from Union Council?
After divorce (Talaq/Khula), it must be registered with the local Union Council.
Procedure:
- Submit Divorce Notice (within 30 days of divorce)
- Provide Required Documents:
- Original Nikah Nama (Marriage Certificate)
- CNIC copies of both spouses
- Divorce Deed (if Talaq was given in writing)
- Court Decree (if Khula/Judicial Divorce)
- Attestation & Verification
- Receive Divorce Certificate (usually within 7-14 days)
Fees: PKR 1500–20,000 (varies by Union Council)
3. NADRA Divorce Certificate (Updating Marital Status)
NADRA does not issue Divorce Certificates but updates marital status in its database.
How to Update Divorce Record in NADRA?
- Submit Union Council Divorce Certificate to NADRA
- Provide:
- CNIC (original & copy)
- Divorce papers (Union Council/Nikah Registrar copy)
- Biometric Verification at NADRA office
- Updated CNIC reflects divorced status
Fees: PKR 20,000–25,000
4. Divorce Certificate for Overseas Pakistanis
If you divorced outside Pakistan, you must:
Option 1: Register Divorce in Pakistan
- Submit foreign divorce papers to the Pakistani Embassy
- Embassy forwards documents to Union Council in Pakistan
- Union Council issues Divorce Certificate
Option 2: Divorce via Pakistani Court
- File for Khula/Judicial Divorce in Pakistan (if spouse is in Pakistan)
- Obtain Court Decree & Union Council Certificate
Required Documents:
- Passport & CNIC/NICOP copies
- Foreign divorce papers (translated & notarized)
- Nikah Nama copy
Processing Time: 2–6 weeks
5. Importance of a Divorce Certificate
- Legal proof of divorce for remarriage
- Required for visa applications (e.g., spouse visa to another country)
- Needed for property division, child custody, or inheritance claims
6. Common Issues & Solutions
❌ Problem: Spouse refuses to cooperate in divorce registration
✅ Solution: File in Family Court to get an official divorce decree
❌ Problem: Lost Nikah Nama or Divorce Papers
✅ Solution: Obtain duplicate copies from the Nikah Registrar or Union Council
❌ Problem: NADRA not updating marital status
✅ Solution: Submit Union Council Divorce Certificate to NADRA office
Need Legal Help?
If you face delays or legal complications in obtaining your Divorce Certificate, consult a family lawyer for smooth processing
