Divorce surge strains kids' centre

With divorce rates climbing in Rawalpindi, the number of estranged children meeting their separated parents and relatives has risen sharply, creating pressure on the child meeting facility at the Judicial Complex.

Where once such meetings occurred two to three times a week, they are now held daily. Each family judge sets aside specific "meeting days" for parents engaged in divorce proceedings.

The Family Meeting Centre in charge said that between 38 and 70 families now use the facility every day. Some meet once a month, others twice, with sessions lasting 40 minutes to an hour. Up to 10 families can meet at the same time.

However, the surge in demand has exposed serious shortcomings. The waiting area outside the hall lacks proper facilities, offering only cement benches that become unbearably hot in summer and icy cold in winter. The tin-and-fibre roof worsens the heat. Visitors face additional difficulties as no drinking water is available, so, they are forced to use nearby court coolers, which often run dry by midday, despite meetings continuing from 9am to 4pm.

Space constraints mean grandparents and other relatives often rotate turns inside the hall, with only 10 to 15 minutes each.

Registration also poses problems, as influential visitors allegedly manage to get their names listed ahead of others. Despite these hardships, parents and relatives bring gifts — such as toys, bicycles, clothes, juices, and fast food — to double the children's happiness. Many children expressed joy at receiving treats and spending time with their fathers.

Yet, behind the smiles, frustration simmers. Divorcees and relatives voice discontent over the lack of facilities. A visitor, Firdous Begum, urged authorities to build a spacious, shaded and well-ventilated waiting hall where women could sit with privacy, along with reliable drinking water and a larger meeting centre to accommodate more families at once.

Some parents reflected on their regrets. One father, Faisal Khurshid, admitted, "Meeting my children is very difficult. We divorced over minor disputes. I even remarried but still haven't found peace. I tell everyone going to court for divorce 1 be patient with each other. Don't end up regretting like us."