Marriage is universally contemplated as a fundamental institution in the social structure. It holds a central place in a societal setup as it establishes stable family units, promoting social cohesion, community building, and economic security via legal rights and combined resources. Marriage also offers a secure environment for child-raising, which fosters their development. In its emotional aspect, it provides support and companionship, which is a prerequisite for mental well-being. Religiously and culturally, marriage revolves around spiritual significance and societal values, thereby reinforcing cultural norms and ethical attitudes.

Divorce or the dissolution of marriage is often regarded as a significant social stigma or curse, carrying heavy connotations. It is typically viewed as a last resort with considerable social repercussions for the parties involved, observing it as a failure of the marriage institution. South Asian societies have traditionally been typified as possessing strong familial bonds and a great cultural emphasis on the sacredness of marriage. However, in the recent decade, a notable surge in divorce rates has been witnessed, indicating a significant transition in societal norms and family undercurrents.
Varying socio-economic conditions, rapid urbanisation, and changing gender roles are propelling an observant surge in divorce rates in the country, with thousands of couples in both love and arranged marriages untying the knot. The 2019 and 2022 surveys conducted by Gallup and Gillani say that the divorce rate has reached an all-time high globally. Moreover, according to the latest data reported by the Express Tribune, the divorce rate only in Pakistan has increased by 35 percent during the last five years, where the rate of divorce filed by women (khula) is 25 percent higher than that of men.
Notably, the urban centres in Pakistan have witnessed an upward trend in divorce rates compared to rural areas, given the shifting cultural norms. While predominantly men have majorly been the primary instigators of divorce often unilaterally, due to the familial and societal reassurances that remarriage is easier for divorced men rather than divorced women, the changing gender roles and increasing financial independence among women, accompanied by the better legal access to divorce, had resulted in more women seeking for khula. Moreover, technology’s impact on relationships due to increased global media exposure has also aided in gradually reducing the social stigma associated with divorce.
These emerging divorce trends in the country bring us to the inquiry of what socio-economic factors are contributing to the increasing divorce rates. How are changing gender roles and the rising empowerment of women influencing marital stability? What role do cultural and religious perceptions play in the increasing incidence of divorce and its societal response? These potential questions facilitate an inclusive debate on the  surging divorce ratio, considering diverse perspectives of society.
To answer, several underlying causes contribute to the rising divorce rates, which are reshaping the marital dynamics in the society. With more individuals seeking personal contentment and legal accessibility, the rising divorce ratio indicates widespread behavioural transformations towards marriage, individual rights, and women’s empowerment in society. Therefore, the changing trends vis-a-vis divorce are attributed to shifting martial dynamics, socio-economic constraints, and cultural changes.
If we talk about the shifting marriage dynamics, increased educational and professional opportunities for women, have contributed to more significant financial autonomy, allowing them to make their life decisions independently and providing free will to leave the marriage if they find it unsatisfactory. Changing gender equality perception has also contributed to challenging the traditional societal and cultural expectations where women seek marital partnership based on mutual respect and equality. Likewise, increased mobility, such as the shift from rural to urban living gas, also exposed couples to more diverse value systems and lifestyles that often conflict with the traditional expectations of a marriage.
Moreover, various socio-economic constraints such as inflation, economic instability, and unemployment also strain marital relations, leading to increasing conflict over financial matters. The increased cost of living, job insecurity, and financial dependency of females on their male counterparts create additional pressure on the households, making it difficult for couples to maintain a harmonious relationship, often leading to divorce.
Notably, the changing cultural patterns are also a predominant cause of the surging divorce rates. Exposure to Western lifestyles and global media has increased the acceptance of divorce and reduced the associated stigma in South Asian societies. Western ideas, such as increased personal freedom, relationship dynamics, individual rights come at par with the traditional marital expectations of South Asian values. Moreover, rising education levels and awareness among individuals, both males and females, have enabled them to question and challenge the norms associated with marriage and divorce. Modernization has resulted in a more individualistic society, prioritising fulfilment and traditional family structures. Increased advocacy by NGOs and women’s rights groups has also helped reduce the negative perception of divorced women.
Furthermore, the recent reforms in the family laws and judicial system’s approach to handling divorce cases via quicker resolutions and fairer settlements have made it easier to file for divorce, diminishing the bureaucratic hurdles that traditionally deter couples from opting for separation. Moreover, increased protection of women’s rights in marriage and divorce by law in Pakistan, notably the Domestic Violence Act and the Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, have provided women with more legal recourse to leave abusive relationships. Also, the growing support networks, such as counselling services and support groups providing emotional and practical assistance to individuals going through a divorce, make the divorce process less daunting.
In addition to the above factors, extramarital relationships, infidelity, sexual abuse, lack of communication among partners in marriage, lack of intimacy, inequality, disrespect in relationships, forced and early marriages, in-law interference, mistrust, lack of tolerance, medical conditions such as infertility, prolonged illness, chronic diseases, mental problems, are also the prominent causes of divorce between conjugal partners.
To conclude, the increasing divorce rate is a complex social issue that is a reflection of the broader socio-cultural transformations and economic changes in our society. It is essential to understand that while the upward trend of this issue presents a significant challenge to family institutions in our country, it also reflects a societal shift towards greater individual autonomy and rights and the pursuit of personal well-being and happiness. Nonetheless, by addressing the underlying issues by promoting healthy relationships via counselling and legal assistance to couples in need, catering to economic instability and gender inequalities, with robust support systems, the implications of this trend can be managed, and healthier marital relationships can be promoted.

Sehar liaquat has been associated with the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad. She  has just concluded her fellowship with Hanns Seidel Foundation, Pakistan.
Email:[email protected]