In a joint session, Parliament has passed a law concerning the social protection of wives and children.
The Domestic Violence Act 2026 has been approved by a joint sitting of Parliament and will apply to the federal capital, Islamabad.
Under the law, staring at one’s wife, threatening divorce or a second marriage, and forcing a wife to live with other people in the house against her will have been declared punishable offenses.
The law also criminalizes abusing a wife, children, or other household members, as well as emotionally or psychologically harassing them.
Under the Domestic Violence Act 2026, if the offense is proven, the accused may face up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to one hundred thousand rupees. Failure to pay the fine may result in an additional six months of imprisonment.
Furthermore, the Act includes economic exploitation along with sexual exploitation within the definition of domestic violence.
