First domestic violence case goes to trial

PESHAWAR:

Additional District and Sessions Judge Peshawar Imranullah Khan on Thursday framed charges against a woman's husband and other family members in what is described as the first case of its kind in the province under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2021.

The petition was filed by a woman, identified only as 'A' for legal reasons, accusing her husband and in-laws of subjecting her to repeated physical violence and mental torture.

During the hearing, the woman's counsel, Advocate Hafiz Zain Rashid, told the court that his client got married in April 2025. Soon after, she faced continuous threats, harassment, and severe physical abuse from her husband and other family members over dowry and domestic matters.

The lawyer said the woman approached the court seeking protection and legal action against the accused under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2021.

Under this law, the offence is punishable with imprisonment from one to five years along with a fine.

On a previous hearing, the court had directed University Town Police to complete an inquiry into the case involving the husband, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law, and submit a report.