A landmark ruling ensures daughters can inherit government jobs after their father’s passing, regardless of marital status.
When Zahida Parveen lost her father, she also lost her job. Dismissed solely because she was married, she found herself fighting not just for employment but for the right to be treated as an equal citizen. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has now ruled that daughters of deceased government employees are entitled to the same job rights as sons, irrespective of their marital status.
The ruling, issued by Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, marks a significant step in dismantling gender-based discrimination in government employment. During the hearing, according to *PakSpectrum*, Justice Shah posed a question that cut through years of bias: “If a son can inherit his father’s job after marriage, why can’t a daughter?”
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Breaking barriers
This decision not only reinstates Zahida Parveen’s job but also establishes a precedent that challenges outdated norms. By affirming that a woman’s financial independence should not be tied to her marital status, the court sets the tone for a more equitable workforce.
Beyond its immediate impact, this ruling carries broader implications. For years, gender inequality in job inheritance policies has forced women into financial dependency. By overturning these limitations, the Supreme Court has acknowledged the need for equal opportunity, paving the way for further legal and societal reform.
While a detailed verdict is yet to be issued, the decision signals a shift in Pakistan’s judicial approach to women’s rights. It forces institutions to reconsider employment policies and recognize that eligibility should be based on competence, not gender.
More than just a legal victory, this ruling is a reminder that progress is not an option—it is a necessity.
Image source: Usman Ghani/Wikipedia
