As per Lawkidunya, Single fathers in Pakistan often face unique challenges, which can impact their ability to care for their children and maintain custody. Here are some of the most significant challenging circumstances:

Social Stigma and Discrimination

1. Societal pressure: Single fathers often face societal pressure, judgment, and gossip, which can lead to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem.
2. Stigma of divorce or separation: Divorce or separation is often stigmatized in Pakistani society, making it difficult for single fathers to seek support or resources.
3. Perceptions of masculinity: Traditional Pakistani society often expects men to be breadwinners, rather than caregivers, making it challenging for single fathers to navigate societal expectations.

Economic Challenges

1. Financial instability: Single fathers often struggle to provide for their children’s basic needs, including food, shelter, education, and healthcare.
2. Limited job opportunities: Single fathers may face limited job opportunities, low pay, and lack of benefits, making it difficult to support their families.
3. Dependence on family or friends: Single fathers may be forced to rely on family or friends for financial support, which can lead to feelings of dependency and loss of autonomy.

Legal Challenges

1. Custody battles: Single fathers may face challenges in maintaining custody of their children, particularly if the mother contests custody.
2. Limited access to legal resources: Single fathers may have limited access to legal resources, including lawyers and court fees, making it difficult to navigate the legal system.
3. Biased court decisions: Single fathers may face biased court decisions, with some judges favoring mothers or other family members in custody disputes.

Emotional and Psychological Challenges

1. Emotional trauma: Single fathers may experience emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
2. Guilt and shame: Single fathers may feel guilty or ashamed about their situation, leading to negative self-talk and low self-esteem.
3. Lack of support: Single fathers may lack support from family, friends, or community, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Healthcare Challenges

1. Limited access to healthcare: Single fathers may have limited access to healthcare services, including pediatric care and mental health services.
2. Poor health outcomes: Single fathers may experience poor health outcomes, including higher rates of stress-related illnesses and mental health concerns.
3. Mental health concerns: Single fathers may experience mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

Educational Challenges

1. Limited access to education: Single fathers may have limited access to education, including vocational training and higher education.
2. Poor educational outcomes: Single fathers may experience poor educational outcomes, including lower literacy rates and limited job opportunities.
3. Childcare challenges: Single fathers may face childcare challenges, including limited access to affordable childcare and after-school programs.