Punjab to set up family support, mediation centres

ISLAMABAD: In a landmark move aimed at reforming the handling of family disputes in Punjab, the provincial government has proposed the establishment of 1,000 Family Support and Mediation Complexes (FSMCs) titled “Sukh da Vehra” in major cities across the province.

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.

According to the official documents shared with The News, 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.

“Sukh da Vehra” initiative is expected to reduce court-based divorce, increase parenting agreements, and reduce GBV during divorce process mediation. It has been successful, with 70 percent of mediated separations using parenting plans. The next steps include a high-profile announcement, provincial budget allocation, working group development, and Task Force review.

The proposed FSMCs aim to address the systemic challenges faced by women and children in conventional legal settings, including lack of privacy, social stigma, exposure to hostile environments, and the threat of gender-based violence.

According to the Punjab Gender Parity Report 2022, over 82,000 divorces were recorded in the province, with numerous incidents of domestic violence and even murders reported outside court premises.

“Sukh da Vehra” is envisioned as a home-like, dignified space where families in distress can access integrated services under one roof, including family courts, legal aid, professional mediation, psychological support, and child-friendly facilities.

Described by officials as a step towards societal transformation, *Sukh da Vehra* aims not just to resolve family disputes, but to restore dignity, emotional well-being, and stability to affected families. Legislative amendments to the Family Courts Act are also being proposed to formally incorporate mediation through these centers.

With its emphasis on healing, privacy, and cultural sensitivity, the Punjab government hopes ‘Sukh da Vehra’ will serve as a regional model for humane and holistic family dispute resolution.

The initiative is grounded in both Islamic principles of arbitration and existing Pakistani legal frameworks, such as the West Pakistan Family Courts Act (1964) and the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance (1961), which allow for mediation and reconciliation efforts.

Key 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. 5) Safe and comfortable environments designed to reduce emotional stress, complete with gardens, lounges, and art therapy zones.

The initiative is supported by 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.