Bill tabled to make unfair eviction of women a crime

The National Assembly on Tuesday saw the introduction of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at making the unfair eviction of women from their homes a punishable offence.

The bill, tabled by Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Sharmila Faruqui during the assembly session, seeks to make such actions a criminal offense. Under the draft, if a husband or any family member unfairly and forcibly expels a woman from her residence, the offender could face a prison sentence ranging from three to six months. In addition, the amendment proposes a fine of up to Rs200000 for those found guilty.

The bill also specifies that cases of unlawful eviction of women would be handled by a first-class magistrate, ensuring swift legal proceedings. Lawmakers believe the move will provide stronger legal protection to women and discourage acts of domestic displacement. Named the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2025, the proposal reflects growing legislative attention to safeguarding women’s rights in the province. By defining unlawful eviction as a punishable crime, the amendment aims to address a gap in the law that has left many women vulnerable to abuse and homelessness.

The Deputy Speaker referred the bill to the relevant committee for detailed review and recommendations. If passed, the legislation could mark a significant step toward enhancing legal recourse for women facing domestic disputes and protecting them from unjust treatment within their own households.