Cultural and Legal Barriers to Women’s Inheritance Rights in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• Seema Gul

  Author

This study explores the cultural and legal barriers that hinder women from obtaining their rightful share of inheritance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Although Islamic law and national legislation ensure women’s rights to inheritance, socio-cultural traditions, patriarchal practices, and legal loopholes continue to deny women their due share. The research highlights how cultural norms, family pressures, and fear of social exclusion often force women to relinquish their rights. At the same time, weaknesses in legal implementation, lack of awareness, and inadequate enforcement mechanisms further exacerbate the issue. By examining both cultural attitudes and legal shortcomings, the study underscores the urgent need for policy reforms, awareness campaigns, and effective enforcement of existing laws. The paper argues that bridging cultural practices with legal safeguards is essential to protect women’s inheritance rights, promote social justice, and achieve gender equality in the region.

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