President Zardari Signs Domestic Violence Law, Introduces Tough Penalties for Abuse
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has approved seven new laws, including the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2026, formally criminalising domestic abuse, intimidation and coercive behaviour within households.
According to Express News, the president also signed amendments to the Danish School Authority Bill, the Income Tax Amendment Bill, the Export Development Fund Bill, and the Transfer of Railway Assets Amendment Bill. In addition, the National Human Rights Commission and the National Tariff Commission were formally endorsed.
With the president’s assent, all seven bills have become acts of Parliament after being passed by the National Assembly, Senate and joint sessions of Parliament.
The Domestic Violence Act 2026, which applies to the federal capital Islamabad, provides legal protection to wives, children, elderly family members, caregivers, transgender persons and other individuals living in shared households.
Under the new law, verbal abuse, emotional or psychological harassment, physical intimidation, and threats of divorce or second marriage are punishable by imprisonment of up to three years and fines of up to Rs100,000. The act also criminalises economic abuse and sexual exploitation.
Courts are required to hear domestic violence cases within seven days of filing, with final decisions to be issued within 90 days. Victims are entitled to remain in their shared residence, seek relocation with suitable arrangements, or access government-approved shelter homes.
The law empowers courts to issue protection orders, including directives for perpetrators to maintain distance from victims and, in specific cases, to wear GPS tracking devices.
The legislation explicitly defines abusive behaviour to include acts such as persistent staring, emotional manipulation, and psychological distress, with offenders facing a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of three years in prison.
The Domestic Violence Act 2026 is being viewed as a significant step towards addressing physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and economic abuse, strengthening legal safeguards and providing timely relief for victims.
