Divorced parents reunite with children

Up to 392 divorced couples have so far met with their estranged children

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RAWALPINDI:

As Eidul Fitr approaches fast, special Eid reunions between divorced couples and their children, who have been separated, have been continuing at the Court Complex with the permission of family courts since the 18th of Ramazan.

These meetings will continue daily until Saturday, March 29. During these meetings, highly emotional scenes are observed between divorced couples and their estranged children. Each day, between 50 to 70 divorced couples come to see their children at dedicated Family Facilitation Centres from 10am to 3pm.

These reunions began on the 18th of Ramazan, and by the 24th of Ramazan, a total of 392 divorced couples, along with their family members, met with their estranged children. Another 163 couples will have their Eid reunions with their children by Saturday, March 29.

Divorced couples often bring along their children's grandparents, uncles, aunts, and other family members to the reunions. The estranged parents bring numerous gifts for their children, including cash, toys, garments, mobile phones, artificial jewelry, glasses, toy bicycles, and even small cars, along with sweets and juices.

During the meetings, some mothers embrace their children with overwhelming emotion, often with tears streaming down their faces, and these reunions both begin and end with tears. The children, on the other hand, appear overjoyed to receive gifts like cash, toys, clothes, shoes, and mobile phones.

One father, Shaukat Sohail, shared his feelings after the meeting, stating, "These reunions are incredibly painful. I divorced four years ago, and every Eid, I meet my children. I miss them so much, and it breaks my heart to see them. Family disputes have made me very distressed, and in a moment of anger, things escalated, leading to the divorce."

"I appeal to all families going through similar court cases to resolve matters amicably and avoid anger, as a woman or man can remarry, but the children have no substitute. They are the ones who suffer the most, and the impact on their lives is lasting," he added.

Faiza Bibi shared her story and said, "I had one son. My husband was extremely suspicious, and we fought daily. I became exhausted and divorced him. Now he regrets it, but I am happy with my second marriage. I came to meet my son today, and while it hurts to see his longing, I am happy with my new life. I have two children with my second husband, and I brought them along too."

"I am happy to meet my mom and dad today. My dad gave me a lot of gifts for Eid, including new clothes, shoes, and even a bicycle. I wish we could have more meetings like this," said Zeeshan Ali.