Islamabad, Aug 14, 2025: The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2025 was introduced in the National Assembly on Tuesday, aiming to make the unlawful eviction of women from their homes a punishable offence.
Presented by Pakistan People’s Party MNA Sharmila Faruqui, the bill suggests that if a husband or any household member forcibly removes a woman without valid reason, they could face three to six months in prison and a fine of up to Rs. 200,000.
Under the proposed amendment, such cases would be handled by a first-class magistrate. The bill seeks changes to several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, filling what it calls a “critical gap” in legal protection for women. It highlights that many women in Pakistan face forced displacement due to power imbalances and traditional beliefs supporting male dominance.
The amendment aims to ensure women feel safe and secure in their own homes, giving them legal grounds to challenge domestic abuse without the fear of losing shelter. By criminalizing unlawful eviction, the legislation intends to send a strong message that such acts are unacceptable and punishable by law.
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The bill also underlines the broader impact—raising awareness about women’s rights, challenging harmful gender norms, and encouraging respectful, equal relationships. The proposed penalties are designed to serve as a deterrent, promoting safer domestic environments. If passed, this law could empower women, protect them from unjust displacement, and spark important conversations in households and communities across the country.
