ISLAMABAD: The Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan has issued a landmark ruling declaring the traditional customs of ‘Chadar’ and ‘Parchi’ as both un-Islamic and illegal, as they deprive women of their rightful inheritance.
The verdict was delivered by a full bench, led by Chief Justice Iqbal Hameed ur Rehman, alongside Justices Khadim M. Shaikh, Dr. Muhammad Mehmood Anwar, and Ameer Muhammad.
The court firmly stated that such practices contradict the rights granted to women in the Quran and Sunnah, which emphasize the protection of women’s inheritance. The verdict underscored that coercing women into giving up their inheritance due to societal pressures violates both Islamic principles and Pakistani law.
In addition to the ruling, the court ordered authorities to take legal action under Section 498 against individuals who enforce these discriminatory practices. The decision also highlighted the necessity for public awareness campaigns and the stringent enforcement of laws that protect women's inheritance rights.
The ruling is part of a broader effort by the Federal Shariat Court to align societal practices with Islamic teachings. In a related decision, the court had previously declared sections 2(f), 3, and 7 of the Transgender Act 2018 as being contrary to Islamic principles. However, Section 2(n) of the same Act was not found to be in violation of Sharia.
The ruling against ‘Chadar’ and ‘Parchi’ is seen as a significant step toward ensuring that women receive the inheritance rights guaranteed to them by Islamic law and national legislation. The court's decision is expected to have a positive impact on addressing gender-based discrimination in inheritance practices across the country.
