In such a case, the Union Council is legally justified in refusing registration because both parties must prove their marital status as “free to marry” under Pakistani family laws. The woman, although she obtained a Khula decree from the court, must first secure a Divorce Effectiveness Certificate (commonly issued by the Union Council after completion of the reconciliation and notice period under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961), as the court decree alone is not considered fully effective

Proof Not Promises