Haq Bakshish: When Women Are Forced to Give Up Inheritance

The practice of forcing women to relinquish their inheritance share and the legal remedies available.

Haq bakshish (forced relinquishment of inheritance) is a widespread practice in Pakistan where female heirs are pressured or coerced into giving up their inheritance share in favour of male relatives. This practice is illegal and unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has held that any relinquishment obtained through coercion, undue influence, or fraud is void (PLD 2019 SC 675). Women who have been forced to give up their share can file a suit for declaration that the relinquishment is void and claim their rightful share. There is no limitation period for challenging fraudulent deprivation of inheritance.

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