Joint sitting passes bill on domestic abuse

ISLAMABAD:

The joint session of parliament on Friday passed three bills — the Daanish Schools Authority Bill 2025, the Human Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill 2025 — amid protest by the opposition.

During the session, opposition members, led by opposition leaders in the Senate and National Assembly — Abbas and Mehmood Khan Achakzai — gathered near the speaker's dais and protested against the bills.

President Asif Ali Zardari had returned the bills last month despite their passage by parliament.

With regards to the Daanish Schools Authority Bill, a statement by the Presidency had quoted Zardari as saying: "In the case of the establishment of Daanish schools in the provinces, prior consultation with the respective provincial governments is essential."

When the Daanish Schools Authority Bill was presented in the joint sitting, the JUI-F objected to it. JUI-F Senator Murtaza contended that President Zardari had returned the bill unsigned and had termed it contrary to the Constitution. The bill, however, was passed.

The Human Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025 was presented by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chaudhry while PPP MNA Shazia Marri also proposed an amendment in the legislation, both of which were approved.

The JUI-F also recommended some amendments to the bill, which were rejected.

PPP's Sharmila Faruqui presented the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, which was passed amid protest by opposition members.

JUI-F chief Rehman termed the legislation "unconstitutional and unlawful", demanding it be referred to the Council of Islamic Ideology. He said the bill was contrary to Islam.

Defending the legislation, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry contended that the bill would provide protection to not just women but men as well.

According to the statement of objects and reasons the National Commission for Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the amendment seeks to remove ambiguities in the law and has been introduced in pursuance of the direction of the cabinet in the light of the Supreme Court's judgment (PLD 2016 SC 808).

According to the statement of objects and reasons the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, domestic violence remains a pervasive problem in Pakistan, with alarming statistics highlighting its widespread nature.

Data cited from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics shows that one in three women in the country experiences some form of domestic abuse during her lifetime.

The situation in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) is described as equally concerning, with a noticeable increase in cases being reported to the authorities.

The statement notes that the Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment has also highlighted the rising number of domestic violence complaints in the ICT, pointing to the urgent need for stronger legal measures.

It further states that as a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Pakistan is committed to eliminating gender-based violence and ensuring women's right to live free from abuse.

In particular, CEDAW's General Recommendation obliges state parties to adopt comprehensive legal frameworks to prevent and address domestic violence and to provide victims with adequate support and legal recourse.

The new law seeks to bring Pakistan's domestic legal framework in line with these internationa```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````l commitments by introducing stronger enforcement mechanisms, specialised support services, public awareness campaigns and preventive education programmes.

It also proposes more stringent penalties for offenders and improved legal protection for victims of domestic violence in the federal capital.

The purpose of the bill, according to the statement, is to significantly reduce domestic violence in the ICT by establishing a comprehensive legal framework ensuring the protection, support and safety of victims.

The legislation aims to define domestic violence, outline preventive measures and provide accessible legal recourse and support systems, while holding perpetrators accountable and working towards the elimination of abuse in all its forms - including physical, emotional, psychological and financial violence.

Following the passage of the bill, the joint session was sine die.