The National Assembly on Tuesday introduced the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks to make the unjust eviction of women from their homes a punishable offense.
Presented by Pakistan People’s Party MNA Sharmila Faruqui, the bill proposes that any husband or household member who forcibly removes a woman from her home without justification could face imprisonment for three to six months and a fine of up to Rs200,000. Under this proposed amendment, cases would be tried under the jurisdiction of a first-class magistrate. The legislation aims to amend the Pakistan Penal Code to provide women with stronger legal safeguards against unfair displacement. The deputy speaker has referred the bill to a relevant committee for further review.
The bill’s text highlights that it addresses a significant gap in legal protections for women at home. It states that many women in Pakistan are at risk of being unjustly removed from their residences due to power imbalances and traditional beliefs that often support male dominance.
This law, as outlined in the text, is intended to empower women by reinforcing their right to safety and security in their own homes. By providing legal recourse, it aims to encourage women to stand up against domestic abuse without the fear of being displaced, thereby fostering an environment where they can live with dignity and equality.
The bill also notes that this amendment is a crucial step toward shifting societal attitudes by challenging traditional gender roles and holding husbands accountable for their actions. It argues that by criminalizing the unlawful eviction of a wife, the law sends a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable and will have consequences. This is expected to raise awareness about women’s rights within families and communities, promoting important conversations and empowerment. The potential legal penalties for offenders will also serve as a deterrent, helping to create a safer space for women and encouraging a culture of respect and equality in relationships.
