On January 26, President Asif Ali Zardari officially signed the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2026, into law, marking a significant advancement in the legal protections against domestic abuse in Pakistan. This new legislation, along with six other bills, was ratified following a contentious joint session of parliament, which saw opposition protests and was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

The bill, which faced initial objections from President Zardari regarding its clarity and the severity of its proposed punishments, has now been enacted after rigorous parliamentary scrutiny. The president had previously criticized the bill as “vague” and expressed reservations about the nature of the penalties it outlined, suggesting a thorough review before its passage.

The newly enacted law broadens the definition of domestic violence to include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse occurring within domestic settings. It aims to protect women, men, transgender persons, children, and other vulnerable individuals, encompassing abuse in both current and former domestic relationships.

Significantly, the legislation specifies that any act of abuse that already falls under the Pakistan Penal Code will continue to be prosecuted under those existing laws. However, acts that are not covered by the Penal Code will now be recognized as domestic violence under this new bill. This includes a wide array of abusive behaviors such as physical assault, stalking, harassment, coercion, and economic deprivation.

Moreover, the law explicitly addresses issues such as threats of divorce or a second marriage, which are now classified as coercive and punishable offenses under the framework of domestic violence. This amendment aims to provide victims with more substantial legal recourse and protection, thereby strengthening the overall mechanism for safeguarding individuals against abuse in domestic settings.

The passage of the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2026, represents a crucial step forward in the fight against domestic abuse in Pakistan, offering clearer definitions and stronger protective measures for victims.