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Wife Maintenance Law in Pakistan: Understanding Rights and Obligations
The Wife Maintenance Law in Pakistan refers to the legal obligation of a husband to financially support his wife during the marriage and, in some cases, after divorce. Under Islamic principles and Pakistani law, a husband is required to provide for his wife's basic needs, including food, shelter, and clothing. Wife Maintenance After Divorce in Pakistan is generally limited to the waiting period (iddat) following the divorce, as per Islamic law. After the iddat period, the husband's obligation to provide financial support may end unless otherwise stipulated in a legal agreement or settlement.

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Wife Maintenance Law in Pakistan

Under Pakistani law, the husband's obligation to maintain his wife is recognized by both Islamic law (Sharia) and the Family Law Ordinance of 1961. Maintenance is generally owed as long as the marriage is valid, and the wife is living with her husband unless she refuses to live with him without a valid reason. The husband’s responsibility to provide maintenance is not conditional on the wife's financial status—whether she is rich or poor, employed or unemployed.

Key Points of Maintenance Law in Pakistan:
Financial Obligation: A husband is legally obligated to provide maintenance to his wife, including food, clothing, and housing, proportionate to his financial capacity.

Living Separately: If a wife chooses to live separately without a valid reason (e.g., cruelty, neglect, etc.), the husband may be relieved from his obligation to provide maintenance. However, if she has a valid reason, the maintenance obligation continues.

Court-Ordered Maintenance: In cases where the husband fails to provide maintenance, the wife has the right to file a claim in court. The court may order the husband to pay maintenance based on his income and the standard of living he has established.

Wife Maintenance After Divorce in Pakistan
In Pakistan, the issue of wife maintenance after divorce is subject to interpretation under both Islamic and national laws. Generally, once a divorce is finalized, the husband’s obligation to provide maintenance ends. However, there are certain provisions and exceptions:

Iddat Period Maintenance: After a divorce, the husband is obligated to provide financial support to his wife during the "iddat" period, which lasts three lunar months. This is the time when the wife is required to wait before she can remarry, allowing for reconciliation and determining if she is pregnant.

Child Maintenance: Even though a wife is not entitled to maintenance after the "iddat" period, the husband is responsible for providing for any children from the marriage, including their living expenses, education, and medical care.

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Monthly Maintenance for the Wife
The amount of maintenance a wife receives per month depends on various factors, including the husband's financial status and the standard of living to which the wife is accustomed. Courts in Pakistan consider the husband's income, assets, and the lifestyle both parties led during the marriage when determining the amount of monthly maintenance.

If a dispute arises regarding the adequacy of the maintenance provided, the wife can approach the Family Court to seek a fair monthly allowance. The court will determine the exact amount based on the husband's earning capacity and other relevant factors.

Maintenance of Wife in Islamic Law
In Islamic law, a husband is required to financially support his wife, regardless of her financial position. The Quran emphasizes the husband's duty to care for his wife and children. The principle is based on justice and compassion, ensuring that women are not left vulnerable or destitute.

Islamic scholars and jurists agree on the husband's responsibility for his wife's maintenance, as long as she fulfills her marital duties and lives with him. Even in cases where the wife is wealthy, her financial independence does not absolve the husband's obligation to provide for her basic needs.

The Quran states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:233), “The father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother’s food and clothing on a reasonable basis”. This verse illustrates the husband's duty to provide for his wife, particularly when they have children.

Second Wife Maintenance in Pakistan
In cases of polygamy, where a man has more than one wife, Islamic law and Pakistani family law require that he provide equal maintenance to all his wives. The principle of fairness is key, and the husband must ensure that each wife receives an equal standard of living. This includes providing equal financial support for housing, food, and other necessities.

Failure to maintain either wife fairly could lead to legal action, and the affected wife may approach the court to enforce her right to maintenance. Pakistani law permits polygamy under certain conditions, but it also holds the husband accountable for maintaining all his wives equally and justly, as required by Islamic law.

Conclusion
The concept of wife maintenance in Pakistan is deeply rooted in both Islamic principles and family laws, ensuring that a wife is supported financially during marriage and in specific cases, after divorce. Whether it’s maintenance during the marriage, post-divorce obligations during the "iddat" period, or the responsibilities tied to having more than one wife, the law seeks to protect women’s financial rights. Understanding these provisions allows women to seek rightful support, while also encouraging husbands to uphold their legal and moral duties within the marriage.