ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Tuesday introduced the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2025, a legislative move aimed at criminalising the unfair eviction of women from their homes and ensuring stronger protection of their housing rights.
The bill, tabled by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) MNA Sharmila Faruqui, proposes clear penalties for husbands or any household members who forcibly remove a woman from her residence without legal justification. Under the proposed law, offenders could face imprisonment ranging from three to six months, alongside a fine of up to Rs. 200,000.
According to the draft, trials for such offences will be conducted under the jurisdiction of a first-class magistrate. The bill seeks to amend specific sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) to close a crucial legal gap that has historically left many women vulnerable to domestic displacement.
The deputy speaker referred the bill to the relevant parliamentary committee for detailed review and recommendations.
Explaining the rationale behind the legislation, the bill’s text highlights that numerous women in Pakistan face the threat of being forcibly removed from their homes, often as a result of unequal power structures and traditional norms that reinforce male dominance. By establishing explicit legal safeguards, the law aims to ensure women’s right to live in their homes without fear of sudden eviction.
Supporters of the bill believe it will encourage women to resist domestic abuse, knowing that the law recognises their right to safety, dignity, and stability within their households. The amendment also aims to challenge deeply ingrained gender biases, holding husbands and other family members legally accountable for unjust actions.
Furthermore, the legislation intends to raise public awareness about women’s rights and spark important discussions within families and communities. By attaching legal consequences to unfair eviction, the bill seeks to deter such behaviour, foster mutual respect in relationships, and promote a culture of equality.
If enacted, the amendment would mark a significant step toward not only safeguarding women’s housing rights but also transforming societal attitudes toward gender roles in Pakistan.
