Who can act as witnesses to a Nikah in Pakistan?
Last reviewed:
Direct answer
Pakistan’s prescribed Nikahnama contains spaces for two witnesses to the marriage, including their names, fathers’ names, residence and signatures. The witnesses should be legally competent, able to identify the parties and able to understand what they are witnessing; they should not sign a blank or incomplete form. Detailed religious requirements can differ by school of Muslim personal law, particularly outside the common Sunni formulation. The licensed Nikah Registrar should confirm the applicable requirement and record the witnesses accurately rather than treating signatures as a ceremonial formality.
Sources used
West Pakistan Rules under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961
Pakistan Code, Ministry of Law and Justice
Official rules containing Form II, the standard Nikahnama, and marriage-register inspection provisions.View sourceMuslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961
Pakistan Code, Ministry of Law and Justice
Official federal text governing Muslim marriage registration, talaq notices, maintenance and dower.View source