In a historic move, the joint sitting of Pakistan’s Parliament on Friday passed the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2025. The bill was approved alongside the Daanish Schools Authority Bill, 2025, by a majority vote.
The legislation, introduced by MNA Dr. Sharmila Faruqui, aims to strengthen domestic violence protection across Pakistan. It focuses on prevention, relief, and rehabilitation for women, men, transgender persons, children, and other vulnerable groups. Amendments proposed by JUI members were largely rejected, while key changes by Dr. Faruqui were accepted.
According to the bill, the Constitution guarantees every individual’s fundamental rights, dignity, and protection under the law. The bill highlights that domestic abuse remains widespread, with one in three women experiencing abuse in Pakistan during her lifetime, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. Reports from Islamabad Capital Territory also indicate a rising trend in cases, emphasizing the urgent need for domestic violence protection.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry praised the bill, noting that men are now legally included under domestic violence protections for the first time. “It is a good development that men will also receive legal protection against domestic violence,” he said, calling it a positive step toward equality.
The bill provides a legal framework for timely intervention, support, and rehabilitation. It also sets guidelines for complaints, investigation, and judicial oversight to ensure effective enforcement of domestic violence protection measures.
Alongside this, Parliament passed the National Commission for Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, clarifying authority and powers, and the Daanish Schools Authority Bill, 2025, focusing on education reforms.
The passage of the Domestic Violence Bill represents a landmark effort by the government to address abuse and provide comprehensive protection mechanisms for all citizens. It signals a stronger commitment to human rights and safety in Pakistan.
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