A woman's inheritance

In a welcome judgment, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of a widow and ordered the immediate transfer of her inherited property. The widow was embroiled in litigation for the past 26 years as the opposing party submitted false testimonies and filed bogus claims in an attempt to deprive the woman of her rightful inheritance. While the apex court finally settled the issue, no woman should endure decades-long litigation for what is rightfully hers. Inheritance laws in Pakistan, while theoretically providing for women, often fail to protect their rights in practice. Despite a legal framework that entitles women to inherit property, cultural and societal norms frequently impede their access to these rights. In Pakistan, patriarchal attitudes prevail, leading to the widespread belief that property should remain within the male lineage. As a result, women are often denied their rightful inheritance, either through coercion or social pressure. Families may resort to intimidation, persuading women to relinquish their claims in favour of male relatives, who are often viewed as the rightful heirs.

Legal recourse is available, but it is fraught with challenges. Women may face stigma, isolation and threats when they assert their rights, making it difficult for them to seek justice. The legal process can be cumbersome and costly, further discouraging women from pursuing their claims. Even when women do succeed in court, enforcement of rulings is inconsistent, leaving them vulnerable to further exploitation. To address the issue, legal frameworks should be strengthened, ensuring that laws are not only in place but effectively enforced. Public awareness campaigns can help educate women about their rights and encourage societal shifts toward equitable treatment. The government, civil society and communities must work together to create an environment where women can confidently claim their rightful inheritance without fear or reprisal. Only then can we hope to achieve true gender equality in inheritance matters.