Ombudsperson supports woman's claim to Rs110 million property

The Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection against Harassment (FOSPAH) has ruled in favour of a woman who was deprived of her share in jointly acquired property worth Rs110 million by her former husband.

The verdict affirms a woman’s right to equal ownership of assets purchased during marriage, marking a significant step forward in Pakistan’s legal and moral pursuit of gender equality.

Issued under the Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act 2020, the ombudsperson ordered the transfer of assets valued at around Rs110 million — an apartment in Sector E-11 and a plot in Sector B-17 — to the complainant, an IT professional who had jointly acquired multiple properties with her husband.

Following an amicable settlement, the review petition filed by her former husband, Dr Shiraz Cheema, was also disposed of in favour of the complainant, Maleeha Mehboob. In accordance with the settlement, ownership of the apartment in Sector E-11 and the plot in Sector B-17 was transferred to her.

FOSPAH stated that the ruling is grounded not only in law but also in Pakistan’s constitutional, moral and religious obligations. The order references both the Constitution and the Holy Qur’an, emphasising that women are equal partners in family, social and economic life.

In her written observations, Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Viqar said that protecting women’s property rights is neither an act of charity nor benevolence, but a constitutional and religious duty — reinforced by Pakistan’s commitments under international conventions such as CEDAW and the ICCPR.

“Women’s property rights, including those relating to assets acquired during marriage, must be acknowledged, upheld and fully protected by the Constitution,” she stated.

In 2019, the complainant, Maleeha Mehboob Haider, filed for khula from her husband. During their 15-year marriage, the couple jointly purchased several properties in Islamabad, including an apartment in Sector E-11 and three plots in Sector B-17. The complainant submitted documents, agreements and proof of payments to support her case.

Her former husband failed to appear despite repeated notices, leading to unilateral proceedings. After the initial verdict, he filed a review petition, which was subsequently resolved following the settlement.

The Multi-Professionals Cooperative Housing Society confirmed the completion of the property transfers.

The decision not only delivers justice to the complainant but also sets a precedent that could reshape the lives of many women across Pakistan. It reinforces that economic justice is constitutional justice — and that no woman’s contribution to her home or marriage should go unrecognised.