- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Jan 13 (APP):The Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has successfully resolved a long-standing family property dispute involving female legal heirs, thereby reinforcing women’s constitutional and legal right to inheritance.
The matter related to a valuable residential property situated at House No. 227, Main Double Road (Rothas Road), G-9/1, Islamabad, originally owned by late Safia Khanum, who passed away in 2008. The dispute remained unresolved for over seventeen years, involving multiple heirs across generations and resulting in prolonged stress, financial hardship, and family discord, particularly affecting women heirs.
Following the death of Safia Khanum, the property remained under informal control and was never formally partitioned among the legal heirs. After the death of her son Javed Khan in 2020, the property came under the occupation of his son, leading to serious disagreements among family members regarding possession, rent, taxes, maintenance, and disposal of the property. The complainants alleged denial of inheritance and unlawful withholding of benefits, while the respondent maintained that he lacked financial capacity, had incurred substantial expenses on maintenance, and had consistently requested that the property be sold to resolve the matter.
Upon filing of the complaint, FOSPAH adopted a settlement-oriented and conciliatory approach, examined the stance of all parties, and facilitated dialogue to avoid prolonged litigation. Through sustained efforts and mediation by the forum, the parties ultimately agreed to sell the disputed property in the open market, bringing an end to a dispute that had persisted since 2008.
As a result of the settlement, the property was sold for approximately PKR 10 crore, and the female complainants received their respective lawful inheritance shares in accordance with succession documents and applicable law. The resolution restored legal entitlement, financial security, and dignity to the women heirs.
Commenting on the outcome, the Honorable Federal Ombudsperson stated, “Denial of inheritance to women is not merely a family dispute; it is a violation of fundamental rights. FOSPAH remains committed to ensuring that women are not deprived of their lawful property through delay, coercion, or informal control. This case demonstrates that timely institutional intervention and settlement can restore justice, dignity, and social harmony.”
The case serves as another example of FOSPAH’s role in protecting women against economic exploitation, addressing gender-based injustice in inheritance matters, and promoting peaceful resolution of family disputes through lawful and equitable means.