The Women’s Inheritance Rights Bill 2025 was recently presented in the Punjab Assembly, aimed at protecting and enforcing women's rightful access to inherited property under Islamic law.
The bill, presented by private member Asma Ehtesham-ul-Haq during the last session of the assembly, seeks to ensure that no woman in Punjab can be deprived of her inheritance, as guaranteed by Shariah.
According to the bill’s text, the provincial government will be required to establish an ombudsman office dedicated to addressing and resolving cases where women are denied their inheritance. Women will be able to directly file complaints with the ombudsman, who will be empowered to take action, fix land records, and initiate prosecution where necessary.
The proposed legislation introduces strict penalties for violators:
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A fine of Rs1 million and three years' imprisonment for depriving a woman of her legal inheritance.
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Repeat offenders may face up to five years in jail and a fine of Rs2 million.
Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of fast-track inheritance tribunals to ensure timely resolution of disputes. Once passed, the government will be required to implement the law and establish 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.
