Islamabad: A parliamentary panel in National Assembly has rejected a bill that sought to criminalise dowry, despite renewed debate over the practice’s social and financial toll on families.
Sharmila Farooqi of Pakistan People’s Party key ally of the government, introduced a private member’s bill in the National Assembly aimed at declaring dowry illegal and prescribing strict penalties for violations.
Dowry remains widespread in Pakistan, placing the financial burden of marriage largely on a bride’s parents. As a result, families with limited means often struggle to meet expectations tied to weddings, reinforcing social pressure and inequality, according to lawmakers who supported the proposed legislation.
What the bill proposed
The draft legislation would have allowed only voluntary gifts from parents at the time of a daughter’s marriage, while banning demands or expectations tied to dowry. It also included punitive measures intended to deter the practice and reduce associated abuses.
The bill was taken up for discussion by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior, where members debated its scope and feasibility.
Supporters cite social harm
During the committee session, Sharmila Farooqi argued that dowry fuels financial stress, discriminatory treatment during marriages and in some cases, violence. She said the practice places disproportionate pressure on women and their families and undermines social equity.
Committee decision and rationale
However, the committee rejected the bill. Members cited concerns, including entrenched social customs, legal complexities and challenges in enforcement as key reasons for turning it down, according to media reports.
The decision highlights the difficulty of legislating against deeply rooted traditions, even as lawmakers and activists continue to press for reforms to address gender-based economic pressures. For now, the rejection leaves the issue to broader societal change rather than statutory prohibition.
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