Child Relocation Abroad Pakistan’s 2025 Amendment
akistan’s 2025 amendment to the Family Laws Courts Act introduces stricter rules on relocating children abroad without parental consent. Learn what parents and legal practitioners must know under the new Section 6A.
Introduction
Pakistan has taken a significant step in strengthening family law protections for children and parents when it comes to international relocation. In 2025 an amendment was made to the Family Laws Courts Act 1964 (FLCA) by inserting Section 6A which directly addresses the relocation of children abroad.
This Child Relocation Abroad Pakistan Law 2025 amendment is a major legal development. Many Pakistani families have overseas ties and cross-border movement of children often raises complex legal issues. The new provision clarifies the legal landscape and protects the rights of the non-relocating parent.
What the Amendment Says
Under the new Section 6A a parent may not secretly or fraudulently remove or take a child abroad without the consent of the other parent.
The amendment also reflects Pakistan’s commitment under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (1980). Pakistan has implemented the Convention, and now the domestic law gives clearer support to those international obligations.
Through this amendment Family Courts are empowered to deal with matters of wrongful removal or retention of children abroad in accordance with the Act.
Why This Matters
For Children:
The welfare of the minor remains the primary consideration in all family law cases in Pakistan. With globalisation children of Pakistani parents may be living or moving abroad and their stability, education and residence become complex issues. The amendment provides greater clarity when children are taken abroad without the other parent’s knowledge or consent.
For Parents & Guardians:
If you are a parent wishing to relocate your child abroad for education, settlement, or family reasons you must now obtain consent from the other parent or follow the legal process. Failure to do so may result in legal challenges under Section 6A.
If you are the parent left behind this amendment strengthens your ability to object to international relocation and to seek relief through the Family Court under the FLCA.
For Legal Practitioners & Advisers:
This amendment introduces a new framework for cross-border custody matters. Common legal queries will now include parental consent for child relocation abroad, Section 6A FLCA Pakistan and application of the Hague Convention in Pakistan. Lawyers advising on custody or relocation cases must account for this reform when preparing documentation or litigation strategy.
Practical Steps for Families
If You Plan to Relocate a Child Abroad:
btain written consent from the other parent ideally in the form of a notarised affidavit or court-approved agreement.
Check whether the destination country is a signatory to the Hague Convention and how Pakistan’s Central Authority (Ministry of Law & Justice) handles return requests.
Update any guardianship or custody orders to reflect cross-border plans.
Consult Qanoni Desk to ensure compliance with Section 6A and related provisions.
If You Are the Parent Left Behind:
File an application in the Family Court citing Section 6A of the FLCA and your objection to the relocation.
Gather evidence, proof of the child’s habitual residence, passport details, travel records, and communications showing your objection.
Consider jurisdictional factors: Pakistan remains the home forum, but the destination country and Hague Convention framework may also apply.
Act promptly, delays can make international recovery or return proceedings more complicated.
Conclusion
The 2025 amendment to the Family Laws Courts Act (1964) via Section 6A represents a meaningful reform in Pakistani family law. It reinforces the legal requirement that children cannot be relocated abroad without proper consent or court approval.
This change safeguards the rights of the non-moving parent while guiding relocating parents toward lawful and transparent processes. For parents, guardians and legal professionals managing international family matters this amendment must now be part of every relocation and custody strategy.