The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) in Islamabad has intensified efforts to reform Pakistan’s dowry laws, holding its second national consultation on the Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act of 1976. The initiative forms part of the commission’s ongoing review of discriminatory family laws, aiming to address systemic gender-based injustice.
During the session, chaired by NCSW Chairperson Ume-Laila Azhar, representatives from the Islamabad Capital Territory, the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Ministry of Human Rights, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs joined an in-depth discussion on the existing dowry regulations. Participants expressed strong concerns about the implementation of the current law and provided detailed feedback on its various clauses.
Ume-Laila Azhar condemned dowry as a severe form of gender-based violence and economic discrimination, stating that cultural traditions should never take precedence over women’s rights. She called for comprehensive reforms to eradicate such practices and emphasized the need for genuine legislative and enforcement efforts to ensure the law has real impact.
The consultation included a detailed, clause-by-clause review of the Act. Stakeholders highlighted significant gaps in how the law is currently put into practice and suggested reforms to bring the legislation in line with modern needs and international standards.
The NCSW plans to use feedback from all stakeholders to develop practical, evidence-based amendments in the next phase of legal reform, seeking to strengthen protections for women across the country.
