Pakistan ombudsperson rules woman entitled to equal share in marital property

Pakistan’s Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment has ruled that a woman has an equal claim to property acquired during her marriage, a decision expected to influence future cases on women’s economic rights.

The judgment, delivered under the Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act, 2020, ordered the transfer of assets worth nearly PKR 110 million to the complainant, an IT professional who jointly purchased multiple properties with her former husband during their marriage.

The ruling, according to the ombudsperson’s office, embodies Pakistan’s constitutional, moral, and religious responsibilities to uphold women’s rights. Citing both the Constitution of Pakistan and the Holy Quran, the order reaffirmed that women are equal partners in family, social and economic life - not dependents.

Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Viqar underscored that protecting women’s ownership rights is neither an act of favor nor charity but a constitutional and religious obligation. She noted that Pakistan’s commitments under international conventions such as CEDAW and the ICCPR further reinforce these protections.

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

Legal experts say it sets a strong precedent that recognizes the financial and emotional contributions of women in marriage and ensures their economic security after separation.