Pakistan’s parliament approved a comprehensive domestic violence law that criminalises threatening a wife with divorce or second marriage, or forcing her to live with other family members against her will.
A joint session of parliament passed the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2026, which applies to the federal capital Islamabad. The law extends protection to wives, children, elderly family members, adopted children, transgender individuals, and anyone living together in a household.
Under the new legislation, verbally abusing a wife, children, or other household members, as well as causing emotional or psychological distress, now constitutes a criminal offense. Offenders face up to three years in prison and fines reaching 100,000 rupees.
The act defines domestic violence to include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse that causes fear or physical and psychological harm to the affected person.
Specifically prohibited behaviors include stalking disabled or elderly household members, forcing a wife to cohabit with others against her will, and violating the privacy or dignity of family members.
The law criminalizes threatening to cause physical harm to a spouse or other household members, making allegations against any household member, and willfully neglecting the care of a wife, children, or other household members.
Sexual exploitation and economic abuse both fall under the act’s provisions. Courts can impose an additional six months imprisonment if offenders fail to pay fines.
The legislation mandates swift judicial action. Courts must hold hearings within seven days of receiving a complaint and deliver verdicts within 90 days.
Victims retain the right to remain in their shared residence. If needed, the respondent must arrange alternative accommodation or authorities will provide shelter home placement. Courts can issue orders requiring alleged abusers to maintain distance from victims.
The law grants courts authority to order GPS trackers for individuals who commit domestic violence.
Staring at one’s wife, threatening divorce, or threatening a second marriage now carry minimum sentences of six months and maximum penalties of three years. Similarly, verbal abuse and causing emotional or psychological distress also constitute punishable offenses under the act.
