Eid reunions for divorced families begin

Parents bring Eid gifts for children at Judicial Complex Facilitation Centres

RAWALPINDI:

Special Eid reunions have begun in the District Courts, allowing divorced parents to meet their estranged children with the permission of family courts. Divorced mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, and uncles have started meeting their separated children at Judicial Complex Facilitation Centres.

In the past two days, 168 divorced families have reunited with their children for special Eid visits, which will continue today (Wednesday) and tomorrow (Thursday). These meetings had been emotionally charged, with tearful scenes witnessed.

Mothers and fathers brought special Eid gifts for their children, including garments, shoes, bicycles, toys, clothing, artificial jewellery, makeup items, and dolls. Children also received cash "Eidi." Each child was allowed up to two and a half hours of reunion time.

Most of the children live with the other parent following the parents' remarriage.

Along with mothers, grandparents, aunts, and uncles also participated in the visits. After the meetings, many mothers parted from their children with tearful eyes. Every year during Eid, family judges arrange special meetings between children and their parents.

One father, Faisal Rasheed, shared his thoughts, saying: "I divorced my wife due to family disputes; we have two children. I have remarried, and the children live with their mother. I deeply regret it now and miss the kids terribly. I urge all families involved in court disputes to withdraw their cases and live happily with their children, or else they will regret it. Divorce has negative impacts on children, especially daughters, whose marriages face challenges that are hard to describe."

Zeeshan, an official at the court facilitation centre, said they provide meeting arrangements as per court orders and ensure meetings end on time.

Two children, Rania and Arslan, expressed their joy, saying, "We are very happy today. It's been four months since we last saw our father. We received lots of toys, clothes, shoes, a bicycle, and cash. Eid should come every month so we can keep getting nice clothes, money, and toys."