ISLAMABAD: The Helpline ‘1413’for the Protection of Women’s Marriage Rights has received 348 calls for legal assistance on marriage rights since November 2023. The helpline was established by National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in collaboration with Musawi in January 2023.
The calls received yet range from complaints about domestic violence, child custody, and forced marriages, to difficulties in pursuing legal cases. The calls also highlight the urgent need for legal representation and intervention in situations of domestic abuse, divorce, and child protection. The helpline ‘1413’ is housed in the NCHR office and is managed by two female helpline officers. The helpline is operational from 9am to 5pm every Monday to Friday, with the facility of voice messages being recorded after 5pm.
The objective of the helpline is to promote awareness on women’s marriage rights as protected under the laws. It aims to improve access to quality legal information, advice and representation for women and girls, especially the underprivileged and illiterate women with mobility and resources constraints, in matters pertaining to marriage rights.
The helpline provides legal information and advice, as well as access to legal representation for marriage rights related matters, including; filling out and registration of the Nikkahnama; information about marriage rights and clauses within the Nikkahnama; legal age of marriage and child marriages; dissolution of marriage; forced marriages; custody of children; and dower, maintenance and dowry related issues.
Chairperson NCHR Rabia Javeri Agha said that the help-line provides legal advice and representation both through a network of lawyers in different regions. “The help-line has successfully connected callers (women only) with lawyers to file and represent suits on behalf of complainant.”–Agencies
