President Zardari signs off on domestic violence bill

President Asif Ali Zardari signed off on the much-debated Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2026, on Monday, along with six other bills that were passed by parliament.

According to a press release issued by the President's Secretariat, the approved legislation includes the National Tariff Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Export Development Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2026; Daanish Schools Authority Bill, 2026; Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and the National Commission for Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Last week, a joint sitting of parliament passed the bills despite presidential objections, opposition protests and sloganeering in the House. The session was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

During the sitting, President Zardari’s objections were formally raised on the Daanish Schools Authority Bill and the Domestic Violence Bill, with opposition lawmakers insisting that the president’s advice should not be ignored.

On the Daanish Schools bill, the president objected that the federal government should consult the provinces before establishing the authority.

On the domestic violence bill, he termed the legislation “vague” and raised concerns over the proposed punishments, advising that the bill should be reconsidered instead of being approved in its present form.

Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill

According to the newly approved Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, domestic violence is broadly defined as any act of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or economic abuse committed within a domestic relationship that causes fear or physical or psychological harm.

The law applies to abuse against women, men, transgender persons, children and other vulnerable individuals, and covers current or former domestic relationships, including within households.

The bill clarifies that if an act already falls under an offence in the Pakistan Penal Code, it will continue to be prosecuted under existing criminal law. However, acts not covered by the Penal Code will be treated as domestic violence under the new legislation.

The law lists physical abuse as acts causing bodily harm, while emotional and psychological abuse includes behaviour such as stalking, harassment, repeated humiliation, threats of violence, false allegations, abandonment, threats of divorce or second marriage, and coercion. Sexual abuse is defined as any conduct of a sexual nature that violates dignity, while economic abuse includes depriving a person of financial resources or restricting access to money or property they are legally entitled to.

Courts are required to consider the overall circumstances of each case when determining whether domestic violence has occurred.

In terms of punishment, offences not covered by the Penal Code can carry a sentence of six months to three years in prison, along with a fine of up to Rs100,000. A minimum compensation of Rs20,000 must be paid to the victim. Those who aid or abet domestic violence can face the same penalties as the main offender.

According to the statement of objects and reasons, 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 international 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.