K v A

Edward Kirkwood (instructed by Churchers Bolitho Way) for the Petitioner The Respondent in person but not represented at the hearing Hearing dates: 24th October 2014 ____________________

'(1) Since Ahmahdis were declared non-Muslim in 1974 they cannot use standard procedures under Muslim law to marry and, in particular, cannot marry in Muslim mosques. They are not allowed to describe their own places of worship as mosques.

(2) In the personal law of Pakistan the religious ceremony creates the civil status, providing that it is based on a valid oral contract of marriage. There is no requirement, as in England, for a marriage to be celebrated in a registered venue, whether a place of worship or not, and for the registration to take place at the time of the ceremony.

(3) There are a number of religious minorities in Pakistan who marry pursuant to their religious customs, for example, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Christians and Buddhists. In addition, tribal groups have their own ceremonies. These marriages are treated as valid in Pakistan.

(4) Sexual relations outside marriage constitute a criminal offence in Pakistan.