The National Assembly of Pakistan has introduced the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2025, a step aimed at protecting women from being unfairly removed from their homes.
The bill, presented by PPP Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Sharmila Faruqui, proposes strict legal action against offenders. If passed, anyone found guilty of evicting a woman from her home without a valid reason could face three to six months in prison and a fine of up to Rs200,000. Cases would be handled by a first-class magistrate to ensure swift justice.
This proposed amendment focuses on addressing a long-standing social issue where women, often due to cultural or traditional biases, face forced displacement from their own homes. Supporters of the bill believe it will act as a strong deterrent and promote fairness within households.
Sharmila Faruqui emphasized that the legislation is about more than punishment — it is about changing mindsets. The goal is to challenge deeply rooted gender biases, uphold women’s dignity, and reinforce the principle of equality in family life.
By making unfair eviction a punishable crime, the bill aims to give women legal protection and a stronger sense of security within their own homes.
The bill has now been sent to the relevant parliamentary committee for further discussion and review. Lawmakers and rights advocates are hopeful that its passage will mark a significant step toward ensuring women’s rights and creating a more just society in Pakistan.
