New Domestic Violence Law Expands Legal Protection
Pakistan’s Parliament on Saturday passed a major piece of legislation aimed at strengthening protection against domestic abuse. The new law makes threats of second marriage or divorce against a wife a criminal offence. Violators can now face imprisonment of up to three years along with financial penalties.
The bill, titled Domestic Violence (Protection and Prevention) Act, 2026, was presented by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Sharmila Faruqui. The legislation applies to domestic relationships within Islamabad and seeks to address long-standing gaps in legal protection for vulnerable individuals.
Under the law, domestic violence is broadly defined. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and verbal abuse. The definition covers women, men, transgender persons, children, and other vulnerable individuals living in shared households.
Lawmakers said the bill was designed to recognise non-physical forms of abuse. These forms often remain hidden and unreported. The new law aims to bring such behaviour under legal scrutiny.
Psychological Abuse and Threats Now Punishable
The legislation places strong emphasis on psychological and verbal abuse. It explicitly criminalises threats of divorce or second marriage. Such threats are punishable when made on baseless allegations, including claims of insanity or infertility.
Other forms of abuse listed in the bill include repeated obsessive jealousy and invasion of privacy. Insults, ridicule, and verbal humiliation also fall under its scope. Threats to cause physical harm to a spouse or household member are included as well.
The law also criminalises false character accusations against female family members. Willful abandonment, stalking, harassment, and forcing a wife to cohabit with someone other than her husband are also defined as domestic violence.
Any offence already covered under the Pakistan Penal Code will be prosecuted accordingly. If an act does not fall under the PPC, it will still be punishable under this law. Punishment includes simple imprisonment ranging from six months to three years. Fines can reach Rs100,000, with compensation of at least Rs20,000 payable to the victim.
Abettors of domestic violence will receive the same punishment as the primary offender. Failure to pay fines may result in additional imprisonment.
Courts Granted Wider Powers to Protect Victims
The new law grants expanded powers to courts. An affected person can approach the court directly. The court must hold the first hearing within seven days. A final decision must be made within 90 days.
Victims have the right to reside in the shared household. They may also choose to live in a shelter home. Courts can issue protection orders to prevent further abuse. These orders may prohibit personal, verbal, written, electronic, or telephone contact.
Courts may also direct the accused to maintain a specific distance from the victim. In serious cases, the accused can be ordered to vacate the house. Relatives of the accused may also be barred from entering the residence.
Police can be directed to provide protection when there is a risk to life, dignity, or reputation. Courts can also order financial support. This includes rent, household expenses, medical costs, and compensation for economic abuse or job loss.
Maintenance for victims and their children can be awarded. Property and valuables must be returned if unlawfully withheld. Custody decisions will prioritise safety and consent. Child custody will follow the Guardian and Wards Act. Adult custody requires the victim’s consent.
Violating court orders under the law carries penalties of up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs100,000. Offences under the act are bailable, cognisable, and compoundable. Appeals can be filed within ten days.
Supporters say the law marks a major step toward protecting dignity within homes. Critics stress the need for effective enforcement to ensure real change.
