{
  "id": 18430318,
  "title": "Amendments proposed for ICT: Subcommittee to review family, inheritance laws",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/amendments-proposed-for-ict-subcommittee-to-review-family-inheritance",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-06T03:00:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40447711/amendments-proposed-for-ict-subcommittee-to-review-family-inheritance-laws"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming in Islamabad has formed a four-member subcommittee tasked with reviewing existing family and inheritance laws, with a focus on laws applicable to the Islamabad Capital Territory. The subcommittee will propose amendments to four key laws: the Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act, 1976; the West Pakistan Family Courts Act, 1964; the Muslim Marriage Act, 1939; and the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. At a meeting chaired by MNA Dr. Nafisa Shah, the committee discussed workplace harassment protections following the Federal Constitutional Court's recent judgment in Usman Shahid v. Nadia Sarwar and Connected Appeal. They also evaluated gender-disaggregated implementation under the Prime Minister's Youth Programme (PMYP) and assessed the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection against Harassment (FOSPAH) performance. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan provided a legal briefing on the grounds for the review petition, noting the Supreme Court's judgment had overlooked recent legislative changes. FOSPAH Chairperson Fauzia Viqar highlighted the operational impact of restricting statutory definitions, emphasizing that harassment should not be limited to sexual intent as the amended law states. The committee reviewed FOSPAH's complaint disposal performance, noting a 98% resolution rate since 2010. They appreciated the PMYP's progress but stressed the need for safeguards against retaliation for complainants and witnesses. The committee also praised the Prime Minister's Youth Programme's efforts to bridge the gender digital divide and empower women. In 2025, FOSPAH resolved 1,288 out of 1,290 received complaints, with a notable participation of female entrepreneurs and students under various schemes. The committee recommended a minimum benchmark of 33% female participation in PM Youth and agricultural loans, recognizing women's creditworthiness. They also advocated for Rural Support Organisations to distribute micro-finance loans to marginalized rural women.",
  "summary": "ISLAMABAD: The Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming constituted a four-member subcommittee to review existing family and inheritance laws and propose amendments applicable to the Islamabad Capital Territory. The subcommittee would propose amendments to the following laws: (i) the Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act, 1976; (ii) the West Pakistan Family Courts Act, 1964; (iii) the Muslim…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}