ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (EPI): The Federal Hon’ble Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment at Workplace, Ms. Fauzia Viqar, convened a significant meeting with provincial ombudspersons to discuss the amendments in the Enforcement of the Women\u2019s Property Rights Act, 2020.<\/p>\n
Held at FOSPAH’s Head Office, the meeting brought together key stakeholders from across the country to discuss existing statutes, challenges, and strategies for ensuring women\u2019s property rights.<\/p>\n
The meeting was attended by Ms. Nabeela Hakim, Provincial Ombudsperson Punjab; Ms. Rakhshanda Naz, Provincial Ombudsperson Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Ms. Saira Atta, Acting Provincial Ombudsperson Balochistan; Mr. Manthar Ali Jatoi, Consultant Provincial Ombudsperson Sindh; Mr. Fayyaz Ahmad Baloch, Ms. Mehreen Baloch, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General); and Mr. Bilal Azam, Director of Excise and Taxation, along with FOSPAH\u2019s Registrar Mr. Rahman Shahzad and Legal Advisors, Mr. Rafique Hussain Shah, Mr. Malik Mujtaba, and Ms. Mah Rukh Aziz.<\/p>\n
Discussions focused on the Enforcement of the Women\u2019s Property Rights Act, 2020, identifying gaps in implementation, addressing mutual challenges, strategizing solutions to ensure the law’s effectiveness, and broadening the powers of the Ombudsperson.<\/p>\n
Matters of common interest were also deliberated, including the need for enactment of property laws in Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit Baltistan, where the Act 2020 is absent, proposed amendments to strengthen existing laws, and follow-ups with the government to advocate for women\u2019s property rights in underserved regions.<\/p>\n
Participants shared regional experiences, highlighting common hurdles in protecting women\u2019s property rights, such as procedural delays, societal resistance to women\u2019s property ownership, and lack of awareness among stakeholders and the public.<\/p>\n
The proposed amendments include adding the property rights of transgendered persons to the Act 2020, auction of property between the family members, increased scope of the definition of property (moveable and immovable) in the EWPRA Act, 2020, and strict execution of the order of the Ombudsperson, among other suggestions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Women\u2019s Property Rights Act, 2020, is a special law aimed at empowering women and safeguarding their legal rights. However, its success depends on collective efforts to overcome implementation\/ execution challenges and ensure justice for women across the country from deprivation to their rightful share of the property,\u201d said Ms. Viqar.<\/p>\n
Ms. Rakhshanda Naz highlighted the substantial challenges that come with the enforcement of women\u2019s inheritance and property rights, while Mr. Naeem Ali Gujjar emphasized strict measures to ensure the implementation of orders.<\/p>\n
Ms. Meraj Tareen, Senior Legal Advisor at the Capital Development Authority (CDA), provided an in-depth analysis of the challenges associated with the implementation of legal orders related to the transfer of property in the name of the legal heirs, particularly in cases involving court-issued stay orders and instances of recanted statements. Ms. Nabeela Hakim highlighted the widespread prevalence of women’s dowry-related issues and their profound social and economic implications.<\/p>\n
The meeting also addressed the importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms, capacity building, and outreach initiatives to expedite resolution processes. Participants committed to working together to advocate for women\u2019s property rights where such protections are non-existent, strengthen current laws, and actively follow up with the government to address roadblocks hindering implementation.<\/p>\n
The session concluded with a pledge to prioritize enhanced coordination, develop robust awareness campaigns, and ensure timely justice for women, underscoring the importance of protecting their property rights as a fundamental aspect of gender equality and empowerment.<\/p>\n
Ends-Exact Press International-<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"