Social media influencer and psychologist Dr Nabiha Ali Khan has formally initiated khula proceedings by sending legal documents the dissolve her marriage to her husband, Haris Khokhar.
Dr Nabiha shared a video on Facebook in which she could be seen signing the documents. The video marked the latest development in the couple’s marital dispute, which became public several months after their wedding.
In the video, Dr Nabiha expressed hope that no woman would have to experience similar circumstances after marriage. She said she wished no woman would have to live with a husband who, according to her, treated his wife in a humiliating manner.
The psychologist did not provide further details about the legal process or disclose when the documents had been sent to her husband. However, her announcement indicated that she had decided to formally seek an end to the marriage after previously speaking about difficulties in the relationship.
Dr Nabiha and Haris Khokhar announced their engagement and marriage last year. The development surprised many of her social media followers, who had closely followed her public and professional life.
Reports of differences between the couple began circulating only a few months after their wedding. Dr Nabiha later confirmed during a television appearance that the marriage was facing serious challenges.
At the time, she said the relationship had not formally ended but acknowledged that the situation had deteriorated to the point where divorce was a possibility.
She also alleged that her husband’s family would be responsible if the marriage ended. According to Dr Nabiha, Haris Khokhar’s attitude towards her changed because of the influence of his parents.
She further questioned why the marriage had been allowed to take place if Haris’s family had already preferred another match for him.
Her statements brought the couple’s private dispute into the public spotlight, prompting widespread discussion on social media. Neither side, however, publicly shared detailed information about efforts to reconcile or resolve the matter.
Khula is a legal process through which a Muslim woman may seek the dissolution of her marriage through a family court. The initiation of proceedings does not itself mean that the marriage has already been legally dissolved.
Haris Khokhar has not publicly responded to Dr Nabiha’s latest announcement or the claims she has made regarding their relationship. No statement has so far been issued by his family regarding the khula proceedings.
