The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled in a landmark decision that married women are entitled to inherit their deceased father’s government job under the employment quota system. For women’s rights in the nation, this ruling represents a major breakthrough.
The decision was rendered by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, who made it clear that it is unjust, discriminatory, and against the Pakistani Constitution to deny married daughters this privilege. A woman’s legal identity and rights are not lost just because she marries, he emphasised. Because she is still a citizen, she should continue to be eligible for all legal benefits, including employment chances following the retirement or death of a parent.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Civil Servants Rules served as the foundation for the case. These rules explicitly stipulate that all children, regardless of whether they are sons or daughters, married or not, have an equal right to be considered for employment under the job quota of the deceased or retired government employee.
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The Supreme Court also cited important provisions of the Constitution, such as Articles 25, 27, and 14, which uphold the dignity of every person, advance equality, and defend people’ rights. The idea that married women shouldn’t be denied opportunities based only on their marital status was supported by these articles.
This ruling creates a powerful precedent for future challenges and makes it abundantly evident that discrimination based on gender has no place in public policy or government employment. It serves as a potent reminder that all women, married or not, should have equal access to opportunities and rights. The decision is anticipated to improve the lives of several women around the nation and may pave the way for other legal changes that advance gender equality in Pakistan in the future.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan’s ruling allowing married daughters to inherit their deceased father’s government job has several significant implications:
- Gender Equality:
This ruling promotes gender equality by ensuring that women have the same employment rights as men, regardless of their marital status. It challenges and overturns discriminatory practices that previously favored married sons over married daughters.
- Legal Precedent:
The decision sets a legal precedent that can influence future cases related to women’s rights and employment in Pakistan. It reinforces the principle that a woman’s legal rights should not be contingent on her marital status.
- Economic Empowerment:
By allowing married daughters to inherit government jobs, the ruling can contribute to the economic empowerment of women. It provides them with stable employment opportunities, which can enhance their financial independence and security.
This ruling is a significant step towards achieving gender equality and ensuring that women’s rights are upheld in both law and practice.