Federal Shariat Court’s Ruling on Women’s Inheritance Rights Gets Widespread Praise

ISLAMABAD – In a historic development for gender equality in Pakistan, the Federal Shariat Court (FSC) has delivered a landmark verdict reaffirming women’s Islamic right to inheritance, drawing widespread acclaim from civil society, legal experts, and women’s rights activists.

The court ruled that no tradition, custom, or social practice can override the inheritance rights granted to women under the Quran. This decision comes as a crucial turning point in the ongoing struggle against systemic gender inequality, especially in matters of financial justice and property ownership.

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For decades, Pakistani women have faced significant barriers to inheriting property, often excluded from family wealth due to patriarchal norms and harmful traditions such as dowry, levirate, and cousin marriages. Financial experts highlight that these practices have long contributed to the economic marginalization of women across the country.

Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, President and CEO of Mobilink Bank, praised the verdict, calling it a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward financial equity. He emphasized that practices like ‘Quran marriages’ and social taboos have rendered women invisible in inheritance distribution, underscoring the need for active intervention to restore their legal rights.

Mobilink Bank has been at the forefront of advocacy through its award-winning ‘Invisible Heirs’ campaign, which brought national attention to the issue. The initiative not only sparked critical dialogue but also earned international recognition, including the prestigious GSMA Glomo Award 2025 in Barcelona.

Sara Kayani, Head of Marketing at Mobilink Bank, celebrated the court’s verdict, citing a landmark case involving a 14-year-old legal dispute over a father’s estate as an example of justice long overdue. She reiterated the bank’s commitment to empowering women financially, stating that over 3,000 lawyers have been trained using Mobilink Bank’s inheritance calculator and legal tools.

The FSC’s decision also took aim at discriminatory customs like ‘Chadar’ and ‘Parchi,’ officially declaring them illegal and un-Islamic. Legal experts and activists flooded social media with praise for the ruling, calling it a long-awaited affirmation of the Quranic rights of women.

Lawyer Maisa Aman and journalist Hasnaat Malik both highlighted that the FSC’s stance is aligned with the teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah, reinforcing that women must receive their due share in inheritance.

While the verdict marks a milestone in the fight for gender justice, activists stress the importance of proper implementation, particularly in rural and conservative regions where outdated traditions still hold sway.

The Federal Shariat Court’s bold decision not only upholds Islamic principles but also sets the stage for a more equitable Pakistan—where women’s rights are protected by law and practice.