Spousal harassment law Approved by Pakistan Parliament, introducing strict penalties for spousal harassment, emotional abuse, and threats of divorce or second marriage. The new legislation aims to strengthen legal protection for women, children, and vulnerable family members while ensuring faster judicial processes and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
Islamabad — Pakistan’s parliament has passed a major piece of legislation designed to improve the social protection of women, children, and other vulnerable members of households by criminalizing various forms of domestic abuse.
The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2026, approved during a joint parliamentary session, will apply to the federal capital, Islamabad. The law defines domestic violence broadly, covering physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse within households.
Expanded Legal Protection for Family Members
Under the new law, legal protection extends to wives, children, elderly family members, adopted individuals, transgender persons, and anyone residing together in a shared household. The legislation recognizes both direct abuse and indirect forms of harm, including emotional distress and psychological pressure.
Threatening physical harm, verbal abuse, emotional harassment, intimidation, and neglect of family responsibilities are now classified as criminal offences.
Criminalization of Spousal Harassment
The law specifically criminalizes acts such as persistent staring meant to intimidate, issuing threats of divorce or second marriage, and forcing a wife to live against her will with other individuals in the household. These acts are categorized as forms of domestic abuse and carry legal penalties.
Individuals convicted under these provisions may face imprisonment of up to three years and fines reaching Rs100,000. In certain cases, minimum jail terms of six months have been prescribed.
Inclusion of Economic and Psychological Abuse
The legislation also addresses economic exploitation, including denial of financial support and misuse of financial resources. Psychological abuse, stalking, emotional manipulation, and persistent intimidation are included within the legal definition of domestic violence.
Failure to pay imposed fines may result in additional imprisonment of up to six months.
Fast-Track Judicial Process
To ensure swift justice, courts have been directed to hear domestic violence complaints within seven days of filing. Final decisions must be delivered within 90 days, aiming to prevent prolonged legal delays and provide timely relief to victims.
Protection Orders and Safety Measures
Victims are legally entitled to remain in their shared residence. If necessary, alternative housing or shelter homes must be provided. Courts can also issue restraining orders requiring perpetrators to stay away from victims.
In high-risk cases, courts may order accused individuals to wear GPS tracking devices to monitor their movement and prevent further abuse.
Clear Definition of Domestic Violence
The law defines domestic violence as any form of physical injury, emotional distress, psychological pressure, sexual exploitation, or economic harm that creates fear or causes physical or mental suffering to the victim.
This comprehensive definition ensures that abuse in all its forms is legally recognized and actionable.