Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani observed that while disagreements can arise between husband and wife, they should not escalate into a conflict affecting parents and children.
The court heard a petition filed by the children’s mother. Both spouses appeared along with their counsel. The judge remarked that the children could not be divided and sought details about their number and ages. The petitioner’s lawyer informed the court that the couple has four children – two sons and two daughters – aged between 12 and a half and four and a half years. One younger son is currently with the mother, while the remaining three children are with the father.
When asked about their marital status, both stated they had neither separated nor intended to do so. The court questioned why they had been living apart for four years if that was the case.
The husband told the court that he had neither sought separation nor remarried, but claimed that the dispute arose after his wife demanded that the house be transferred to her name. Justice Kayani remarked that transferring property to one’s wife was “not a big issue,” adding that he had also transferred his property to his wife’s name.
The court further observed that judges and lawyers often become adversaries in such matters, whereas many disputes can be resolved by the couple themselves. It advised the parties to reconcile, urging them to learn to apologize and forgive, and to exercise patience.
Justice Kayani noted that a woman shows courage in leaving her parents’ home to live with her husband and emphasized that this was a crucial period in the children’s upbringing. He cautioned that in a few years, the children would grow up and both parents might have to face the consequences of the present situation.
Upon the court’s inquiry, both husband and wife agreed to apologize to each other. The judge directed them to sit together in the courtroom and attempt reconciliation.
The hearing was adjourned till next Friday, with directions to produce all four children before the court.