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Mediation

Punjab Proposes Establishment of 1,000 Family Support and Mediation Complexes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The provincial government in Punjab is set to establish 1,000 Family Support and Mediation Complexes (FSMCs) titled 'Sukh da Vehra' in major cities across the province. Led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the initiative aims to provide a gender-sensitive, non-confrontational alternative to traditional courtrooms for families undergoing separation, divorce, or child custody issues. The first phase of implementation, set for the fiscal year 2025-26, includes complexes in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, and Rawalpindi, with an initial budget allocation of Rs1 billion.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Punjab government aims to establish 1,000 Family Support and Mediation Complexes (FSMCs) across the province, with the first phase focusing on 5 major cities: Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, and Rawalpindi.
  • The initiative, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, seeks to provide a gender-sensitive, non-confrontational alternative to traditional courtrooms for families undergoing separation, divorce, or child custody issues.
  • The suggested features of the proposed complexes include: 1) Gender-sensitive family courts with trained judges and private mediation rooms, 2) Child-friendly spaces with psychologists and play areas, 3) Therapy and counselling services for victims of domestic trauma, 4) Legal resource desks offering guidance on marriage, divorce, and Islamic family law, and 5) Safe and comfortable environments designed to reduce emotional stress, complete with gardens, lounges, and art therapy zones.
  • The initiative is expected to reduce court-based divorce, increase parenting agreements, and reduce GBV during divorce process mediation, with 70% of mediated separations using parenting plans.
  • The initiative is partly based on the success of existing family mediation centers and the Islamic principles of arbitration, as well as existing Pakistani legal frameworks such as the West Pakistan Family Courts Act (1964) and the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance (1961).
  • The provincial government is working closely with key stakeholders including the Punjab Social Welfare Department, Punjab Women Development Department, Lahore High Court (Family Bench), National Commission on the Status of Women, and international partners such as UN Women, UNICEF, and UNFPA.

Statistics:

  • Over 82,000 divorces were recorded in Punjab in 2022 (Punjab Gender Parity Report 2022).
  • The initiative is expected to allocate Rs1 billion for the first phase of implementation, covering 5 major cities.
  • The proposed complexes will have integrated services under one roof, including family courts, legal aid, professional mediation, psychological support, and child-friendly facilities.

Sources:

  • Punjab Government
  • The News
  • Punjab Gender Parity Report 2022

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