PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqui has introduced a bill in the National Assembly aimed at creating a structured framework to address domestic violence complaints in Islamabad. The move comes after Sindh passed similar legislation in 2013.
The bill cites rising reports of domestic violence in the federal capital and Pakistan’s obligations as a signatory of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) as reasons for its introduction.
Who Does the Bill Protect?
The legislation protects:
- Men, women, transgender individuals, and children
- Vulnerable persons, including the elderly and persons with disabilities
It covers acts of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse.
Defining Domestic Violenc
Domestic violence is defined as abuse committed by someone in a domestic relationship with the victim. This includes:
- Spouses
- Parents, including adoptive parents
- Other family members living in the same household
Physical abuse follows the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), and penalties under the PPC will apply.
Emotional and psychological abuse includes:
- Obsessive jealousy and invasion of privacy
- Insults or ridicule
- Threats of physical harm
- Threats of divorce or remarriage based on false accusations
- False allegations against a family member’s character
- Willful or negligent abandonment
- Stalking and harassment
- Compelling a spouse to cohabit with another person
Sexual abuse covers any act that humiliates, degrades, or violates a person’s dignity.
Economic abuse refers to intentionally depriving someone of financial resources or restricting access to resources they are entitled to.
Punishments Under the Bill
For domestic violence not criminalized under the PPC, the bill proposes:
- Imprisonment: 6 months to 1 year
- Fine: Rs100,000, with a minimum of Rs20,000 to be paid as compensation to the victim
Those aiding or abetting domestic violence will face the same penalties.
Rights of the Aggrieved Person
The bill grants victims the right to:
- Continue living in their household, even if they do not own it
- Live under the care of a “service provider” offering legal, medical, financial, or other assistance
Court Orders and Relief Measures
Family courts can take action if domestic violence occurs or is threatened, including:
- Ordering the accused to stay away and avoid communication
- Requiring the accused to leave the shared household in dangerous situations
- Preventing the accused and relatives from entering the victim’s residence
- Returning property or belongings to the victim
The court can also order monetary relief, including:
- Compensation for economic abuse
- Loss of earnings
- Medical expenses
- Damage or destruction of property
- Maintenance for the victim and children
If payments are not made, the court can instruct the accused’s employer to deduct the amount from their salary.
Custody can also be granted to a guardian or service provider if needed.
Enforcement and Protection Committee
Violating any court protection or relief order can result in:
- Imprisonment: 1 year
- Fine: Rs100,000, paid to the victim
The bill calls on divisional administrations to:
- Form protection committees to inform victims of their rights
- Appoint protection officers to manage paperwork, coordinate with service providers, and monitor court orders
The Domestic Violence Bill is a landmark attempt to address a problem that has long been normalized in Pakistani society: abuse within the household. While Pakistan has had laws addressing physical violence under the Pakistan Penal Code, domestic violence is rarely just physical. Emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse often remain invisible, leaving victims trapped in cycles of harm without recourse. This bill acknowledges that reality.
One of the most significant aspects of the legislation is its inclusivity. It protects not only women, but men, children, transgender individuals, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Previous laws often framed domestic violence almost exclusively as a women’s issue, which is partially true statistically, but the law’s broader protection signals an understanding that vulnerability to abuse is complex and not confined to gender. The inclusion of economic and psychological abuse is especially noteworthy, as these forms of violence have historically been dismissed in legal frameworks and social discourse.
Unlike previous laws, the Islamabad bill goes beyond definitions to establish actionable remedies. It gives victims the right to stay in their household or seek shelter with service providers, ensures courts can issue protective orders, and allows monetary compensation for damages. The creation of protection committees and officers institutionalizes support, a step missing in most prior legislation, which left victims to navigate the legal system largely on their own.
This bill is critical because it frames domestic violence as a societal and human rights issue, not just a private family matter. It aligns Pakistan with international obligations, particularly CEDAW, signaling that the country is recognizing abuse as a violation of human dignity, autonomy, and social justice. The legislation also implicitly challenges patriarchal norms, emphasizing accountability over tradition or cultural silence.
However, the law faces challenges. Implementation will require well-trained protection officers, functioning service providers, and a judiciary willing to enforce orders consistently. Opposition from religious or conservative quarters could delay its passage or affect its public perception, as seen in calls for referral to the Council of Islamic Ideology. Cultural resistance and lack of awareness remain major hurdles.
What sets this bill apart is its holistic approach. Prior legislation mainly punished physical abuse and relied heavily on victims to initiate action, often without practical support. Islamabad’s bill acknowledges the multifaceted nature of abuse, establishes preventative and remedial mechanisms, and formalizes institutional responsibility. It recognizes abuse as ongoing, structural, and not merely episodic.
If implemented effectively, this bill could transform societal attitudes toward domestic violence, empower victims, and provide a template for other provinces. It signals that abuse is not private it is a matter of public concern that demands legal, social, and institutional response.
In short, the Islamabad Domestic Violence Bill is not just another law it is a critical, overdue acknowledgment that domestic abuse in all its forms must be recognized, addressed, and prevented. Its success, however, will depend on awareness, enforcement, and societal buy-in. Without these, even the most progressive legislation risks becoming another paper promise.
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