Jailed PTI activist Sanam Javaid seeks khula from husband

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) social media activist Sanam Javaid, who is imprisoned at Kot Lakhpat jail in connection with the May 9 cases, has approached a Lahore family court seeking dissolution of her marriage through khula.

The family court has issued a notice to her husband, Atique Riaz, seeking his reply to the petition on November 25.

Sanam filed the suit through her lawyers, Barrister Khadija Siddiqi and Murad Ali Khan Marwat, seeking a decree of dissolution of marriage on the basis of khula.

According to the petition, Sanam and Atique married on September 22, 2009, and have two children from the marriage.

She told the court that differences in mental compatibility had led to repeated misunderstandings between the couple, which increased over time.

The petition states that she has developed a strong aversion to the marriage and can no longer continue living with her husband as his wife.

“It is impossible for the plaintiff to continue living with the defendant within the boundaries prescribed by Allah,” the petition states, requesting the court to grant a decree of dissolution of marriage through khula.

Sanam also stated that the cause of action arose during the course of their married life and continued to persist.

The petition identifies Lahore as the place where the marriage-related cause of action arose and where both parties reside. It also informs the court that Sanam is currently confined at Central Jail, Kot Lakhpat.

The family court has sought the husband’s response to the petition by November 25.

Sanam Javaid is among the PTI activists facing cases linked to the May 9, 2023, protests following the arrest of party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan. She is currently imprisoned at Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore.