The Women’s Inheritance Rights Bill 2025 was recently introduced in the Punjab Assembly, aiming to protect and enforce women’s rightful access to inherited property in accordance with Islamic law. The bill, presented by private member Asma Ehtesham-ul-Haq during the assembly’s last session, seeks to ensure that no woman in Punjab is deprived of her inheritance, as guaranteed by Shariah.
According to the bill’s provisions, the provincial government will be required to establish an ombudsman office specifically dedicated to addressing and resolving cases where women are denied their inheritance. Women will have the ability to file complaints directly with the ombudsman, who will be empowered to take action, rectify land records, and initiate prosecution where deemed necessary.
The proposed legislation introduces stringent penalties for offenders:
- A fine of PKR 1 million and three years’ imprisonment for depriving a woman of her legal inheritance.
- Repeat offenders may face up to five years in jail and a fine of PKR 2 million.
Furthermore, the bill proposes the creation of fast-track inheritance tribunals to ensure the timely resolution of disputes. Once enacted, the government will be mandated to implement the law and establish the necessary mechanisms within 90 days. The bill has been forwarded to the relevant standing committee, which is expected to submit its report within two months. Following committee approval, the bill will be presented before the assembly for a final vote.
