ISLAMABAD: In line with ongoing review of family laws, National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) on Tuesday convened the second national consultation on the Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act, 1976.

This focused session was part of a series of legal reform consultations, following directives from the sub-committee of the National Assembly Gender Mainstreaming on the Prime Minister’s directives 2024, and NCSW’s statutory mandate under the NCSW Act, 2012.

A statement issued here said that the consultation was chaired by NCSW Chairperson Ume Laila Azhar, which brought together key stakeholders from several ministries and divisions directly associated with the subject discussed.

Participants conducted a section-by-section review of the act, focusing on definitions and scope of ‘dowry’ and ‘bridal gifts’, monetary and non-monetary restrictions imposed by the act, legal mechanisms for lodging complaints and enforcing penalties and implementation gaps and areas requiring urgent amendment.

Chairperson Ume Laila Azhar said: “The harmful practice of dowry remains a deeply entrenched form of gender-based violence and economic injustice in Pakistan.

“While the Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act, 1976 aimed to curb these practices, it has unfortunately lacked effective implementation.”

She urged all stakeholders, particularly legislative and enforcement bodies, to ensure strict adherence to the amendments proposed and bring the law in alignment with modern-day socio-cultural realities and international human rights standards.

“Women and families must be freed from the economic burdens and social pressures created by dowry demands,” she said.

She further emphasized that no cultural or societal justification should stand in the way of justice and that this law must become a tool for real transformation, not remain symbolic.

The consultation concluded with a call for feedback from stakeholders to support the drafting of evidence-based, practical legal amendments.

NCSW said that these inputs will feed into the next phase of legal reform, aimed at eliminating discriminatory traditions and empowering women and girls in all spheres of life.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2025