Is a Verbal Talaq Valid and Legal Without Union Council Notification?

Under Section 7 of the **Muslim Family Laws Ordinance (MFLO) 1961**, a verbal Talaq alone is **not legally recognized by the state of Pakistan** unless the formal legal notification procedure is followed: 1. **Mandatory Notification:** The husband must send a written notice of the Talaq to the Chairman of the local Union Council where the wife resides, and a copy must be delivered to the wife. 2. **90-Day Arbitration Period:** Upon receiving the notice, the Union Council forms an Arbitration Council to attempt reconciliation. The divorce only becomes legally effective **90 days** from the date the Union Council receives the written notice. 3. **Registration Certificate:** After 90 days, the Union Council issues a formal **Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage**. **Important Legal Risks:** * If your husband has not sent a notice to the Union Council, the marriage is still legally intact in the eyes of the law. * You **cannot** register a second marriage without a valid Union Council Divorce Certificate. Doing so can expose you to criminal charges of bigamy under Section 494 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). * You can file a suit in the Family Court for **Declaration of Divorce** if your husband refuses to register the Talaq with the Union Council.