November 9, 2024
By Syeda Noor Fatima
OKARA
Muhammad Hussain, a resident of Renala Khurd, district Okara, passed away 18 years ago without leaving a will for the distribution of his property. As a result, his seven daughters and only son, Barkat Ali, were left to settle the estate on their own. But, Barkat Ali took complete possession of his father’s land and house, evicted his mother and unjustly deprived his sisters and mother of their rightful inheritance.
“My son has forcibly evicted me from my house and taken possession of my late husband’s property,” says Muhammad Hussain’s widow 60 year old Mariam Bibi. “Even my grandson has threatened me. At present I am living with my daughter and son-in-law, while my son has transferred all possession of property to his wife.”
It was after 18 years of Hussain’s death, that Mariam Bibi’s daughters realized how their brother had grabbed possession of the property, taking over their rightful share. Despite their brother’s obligation to provide for them, he failed to give them a single penny. Now the sisters have filed a case against him, alleging that he fraudulently claimed their mother (Mariam Bibi) had passed away, and transferred the property into his own name.
It is a daunting challenge they face, because till now the authorities have been ignoring their appeals: the patwari or village registrar denied them a copy of the intiqal documents (transfer of property) submitted by their brother. Meanwhile Barkat Ali has been issuing threats, warning them that unless they withdraw the case, they will suffer severe consequences. Because of these intimidation tactics, already, one of their husbands has lost his job.
Unfortunately, this case is just one of thousands that occur annually, where women are denied their rightful inheritance and property shares by their own family members, typically men. Through fraudulent means, fabrication, coercion, and other forms of exploitation, women are systematically forced to relinquish their legitimate inheritance rights.
It is essential to raise awareness about asserting one’s rightful inheritance rights, refusing bribes and claiming legitimate inheritance. This benefits not only individuals but also future generations. While existing laws provide a foundation, timely advancements are necessary. Key amendments include biometric verification in property registration and seamless transfer of property rights to rightful owners. Urgent reforms are necessary to safeguard individual rights, prevent disputes, and ensure a secure future.
What is a Woman To Do?
Under current laws, a woman deprived of her property by family members faces a daunting task.
To reclaim her rights, she must file a civil suit, embarking on a lengthy and cumbersome process. This involves multiple court appearances, hefty lawyers’ fees, and extensive documentation, resulting in significant financial strain and emotional distress. The process is not only time-consuming but also delays justice, highlighting the need for streamlined, cost-effective solutions.
The challenges women face are multifaceted. Besides navigating the complex legal system, they often encounter intimidation from family members, lack awareness about their legal rights, and have limited access to resources so in this education plays a vital role in raising awareness among women regarding their inheritance rights. Women should be informed about their options if their inheritance rights are denied, particularly in cases where their father or husband passes away. In such situations, it is crucial for them to know what steps to take, how properties should be divided, and their rightful share.
To empower women, the curriculum needs advanced changes, to include comprehensive information on inheritance laws and rights, property division and management, and legal recourse and support. This educational foundation will enable women to navigate complex situations confidently.
Furthermore, mobile apps can provide valuable guidance and information, offering easy access to inheritance laws and regulations, step-by-step guidance for claiming rights, and resources for legal aid and support. By educating women and providing accessible resources, it can be ensured they are equipped to protect their rights and secure their financial futures.
This collective effort will pave the way for women’s empowerment, helping them make informed decisions and assert their rightful inheritance