Domestic Violence Laws in Pakistan
پاکستان میں گھریلو تشدد کے قوانین — تحفظ اور قانونی علاج کا مکمل رہنماComplete guide to domestic violence laws in Pakistan. Learn about protection orders, legal remedies, punishment, and women's rights under provincial laws and the new Federal Domestic Violence Act 2026.
📌 Key Takeaways – Domestic Violence Laws in Pakistan
- Federal DV Act 2026: Signed by President Asif Ali Zardari on January 26, 2026 – landmark federal legislation criminalizing domestic violence in Islamabad Capital Territory [citation:1][citation:9].
- What is domestic violence? Physical, psychological, economic, and sexual abuse within the home.
- What laws protect victims? Provincial laws (Punjab 2016, Sindh 2013, KPK 2021, Balochistan 2014) + new Federal Act 2026 for ICT.
- What orders can courts issue? Protection orders, residence orders, monetary compensation, and custody orders.
- What are the penalties? Under Federal Act 2026: 6 months to 3 years imprisonment, fines up to Rs.100,000, minimum compensation Rs.20,000 [citation:6].
- Where to get help? Women's Helpline 1099, Police 15, Madadgar 1098.
Domestic violence laws in Pakistan now include the new Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2026 signed by President Asif Ali Zardari on January 26, 2026, applicable to Islamabad Capital Territory [citation:1][citation:9]. Key protections include:
- Protection orders: Court orders abuser to stay away from victim
- Residence orders: Victim can stay in shared home
- Monetary compensation: Minimum Rs.20,000 compensation for victims [citation:6]
- Criminal penalties: 6 months to 3 years imprisonment + fines up to Rs.100,000 [citation:6]
Legal basis: Federal DV Act 2026, Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2016, Sindh DV Act 2013, KPK DV Act 2021, Balochistan DV Act 2014, and PPC Sections 332-338, 337, 509.
📑 Table of Contents
What Are Domestic Violence Laws in Pakistan? (Short Answer)
Domestic violence laws in Pakistan are both provincial and federal. The landmark Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2026 was signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari on January 26, 2026, applying to Islamabad Capital Territory [citation:1][citation:9]. Provincial laws exist in Punjab (2016), Sindh (2013), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2021), and Balochistan (2014).
These laws protect women, children, and family members from physical, psychological, economic, and sexual abuse within the home. Victims can obtain protection orders, residence orders, and monetary compensation. Offenders face imprisonment (6 months to 3 years) and fines up to Rs.100,000 [citation:6].
What is the Legal Framework for Domestic Violence in Pakistan?
Domestic violence laws in Pakistan have four layers: constitutional, criminal, federal, and provincial [citation:1][citation:3][citation:6].
- Constitution of Pakistan (1973): Article 9 (right to life), Article 14 (inviolability of dignity), Article 25 (equality).
- Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) 1860: Sections 332-338 (hurt), Section 337 (assault), Section 509 (insulting modesty).
- Federal Domestic Violence Act 2026: Applicable to Islamabad Capital Territory – signed into law January 26, 2026 [citation:1][citation:9].
- Provincial Domestic Violence Acts: Punjab (2016), Sindh (2013), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2021), Balochistan (2014).
- Family Courts Act 1964: For maintenance and custody matters related to domestic violence — see Family Court Procedure.
The new Federal Act 2026 defines domestic violence broadly and criminalizes acts not covered by the PPC [citation:6].
What Constitutes Domestic Violence Under Pakistani Law?
Under domestic violence laws in Pakistan, domestic violence includes five types of abuse [citation:6]:
| Type of Violence | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical violence | Hitting, slapping, pushing, burning, use of weapons, acid attacks |
| Psychological violence | Verbal abuse, threats, humiliation, isolation from family, stalking, threats of divorce or second marriage without wife's consent [citation:2] |
| Economic violence | Denying financial resources, forced unemployment, taking away earnings, restricting access to legally entitled money or property [citation:6] |
| Sexual violence | Forced intercourse, sexual assault, forced marriage, any conduct violating dignity [citation:6] |
| Emotional violence | Constant criticism, intimidation, controlling behavior, gaslighting, false allegations [citation:6] |
The Federal DV Act 2026 explicitly includes threats of second marriage or divorce without wife's consent as psychological abuse [citation:2]. Courts must consider the overall circumstances of each case [citation:6].
What Protection Orders Can Victims Get Under Domestic Violence Laws?
Domestic violence laws in Pakistan provide five types of court orders [citation:3][citation:6]:
- Protection Order: Prohibits the respondent from committing further domestic violence. Violation is a criminal offense.
- Residence Order: Allows the victim to stay in the shared household and excludes the abuser.
- Monetary Compensation Order: Court orders the abuser to pay compensation for physical and mental harm. Under Federal Act 2026, minimum compensation is Rs.20,000 [citation:6].
- Custody Order: Temporary custody of children may be granted to the victim — see Child Custody Law.
- Interim Order: Immediate protection before final hearing (usually within 24-48 hours).
Under the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2016, violation of these orders is a criminal offense [citation:3].
How to File a Domestic Violence Complaint in Pakistan (Step by Step)
Under domestic violence laws in Pakistan, victims can follow this 5-step procedure [citation:3]:
Call the Women's Helpline at 1099 or police emergency 15 for immediate assistance and guidance.
Register a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant PPC sections or the provincial/federal Domestic Violence Act. Police cannot refuse to register a cognizable offense [citation:3].
Get a medical examination at a government hospital. The medical report is crucial evidence for court.
File an application for a protection order in the Family Court or Magistrate Court. Under Punjab Act, Women Protection Officers can assist [citation:3].
Each province has a Protection Committee and Violence Against Women Centers (VAWCs) that provide shelter, legal aid, and counseling [citation:3].
What is the Punishment for Domestic Violence in Pakistan?
Under domestic violence laws in Pakistan, offenders face the following penalties [citation:6]:
| Offense | Legal Provision | Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Simple hurt | PPC Section 332-337 | Imprisonment up to 1 year + fine |
| Grievous hurt | PPC Section 337 | Imprisonment up to 7 years + fine |
| Assault or criminal force | PPC Section 352 | Imprisonment up to 3 months + fine |
| Violation of protection order | Provincial DV Act / Federal Act 2026 | Imprisonment up to 6 months + fine | DV offenses not covered by PPC (Federal Act 2026) | Federal DV Act 2026 | Imprisonment 6 months to 3 years + fine up to Rs.100,000 + minimum compensation Rs.20,000 [citation:6] |
| Acid attack | PPC Section 336B | Imprisonment up to 14 years + fine |
Domestic Violence Laws by Province (Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan)
Domestic violence laws in Pakistan vary by province. Below is a complete summary [citation:3][citation:4][citation:8]:
| Province/City | Law Name | Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab | Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act | 2016 | Protection committees, VAWCs, shelter homes, crisis centers, legal aid, Women Protection Officers, UAN 1099 [citation:3] |
| Sindh | Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act | 2013 | Protection orders, residence orders, monetary compensation, shelter homes, One-Stop Protection Centres (OSPCs) [citation:4][citation:8] |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Domestic Violence Against Women Act | 2021 | Protection orders, crisis centers, women's shelters, legal aid |
| Balochistan | Balochistan Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act | 2014 | Protection orders, residence orders, compensation, shelter homes |
| Islamabad (Federal) | Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2026 | 2026 | Federal law, applies to ICT, criminalizes psychological/economic abuse, threats of second marriage/divorce, minimum Rs.20,000 compensation [citation:1][citation:2][citation:6] |
Federal Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2026 – Landmark Legislation
The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2026 was signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari on January 26, 2026, after being passed in a joint sitting of Parliament [citation:1][citation:9]. This is a landmark federal law applicable to the Islamabad Capital Territory.
Key provisions of the Act include [citation:2][citation:6][citation:10]:
- Broad definition of domestic violence: Physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse.
- Criminalization of psychological abuse: Including threats of second marriage or divorce without wife's consent, stalking, harassment, false allegations, and abandonment [citation:2].
- Economic abuse defined: Depriving a person of financial resources or restricting access to money or property they are legally entitled to [citation:6].
- Protection orders: Courts can issue protection, residence, and monetary compensation orders.
- Penalties: For offenses not covered by PPC, imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years, fines up to Rs.100,000, and minimum compensation of Rs.20,000 for victims [citation:6].
- Support services: The law introduces support services, awareness campaigns, and preventive education programs [citation:10].
- Applicability: Protects women, men, transgender persons, children, and other vulnerable individuals in current or former domestic relationships [citation:6].
According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, one in three women experiences domestic abuse in her lifetime, and cases in Islamabad are reportedly increasing [citation:1][citation:10].
What Rights Do Women Have Under Domestic Violence Laws in Pakistan?
Under domestic violence laws in Pakistan, women have seven fundamental rights:
- Right to live free from violence: No one has the legal right to abuse you. Domestic violence is a violation of fundamental rights under Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution [citation:3].
- Right to file FIR: Police must register your complaint under the relevant law. Under the Punjab Act, Women Protection Officers can assist [citation:3] — see FIR & Police Procedures.
- Right to protection order: You can seek court orders to keep the abuser away. Under Federal Act 2026, violation is a criminal offense [citation:6].
- Right to shelter: Government shelter homes (Darul Amans) and VAWCs are available for victims in every province [citation:3].
- Right to legal aid: Free legal assistance is available through Protection Committees and legal aid organizations.
- Right to medical care: Government hospitals must provide free medical examination. VAWCs provide first aid, medical examination, and forensics under one roof [citation:3].
- Right to maintenance: You can claim maintenance under Section 9 MFLO even after leaving the shared home due to violence.
For maintenance rights, see our Maintenance Law guide. For divorce options, see Khula Procedure.
Landmark Supreme Court Case Laws on Domestic Violence in Pakistan
| Case Citation | Court | Key Ruling |
|---|---|---|
| PLD 2015 SC 234 | Supreme Court of Pakistan | Domestic violence is a violation of fundamental rights under Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution. |
| 2024 SCMR 567 | Supreme Court of Pakistan | Protection orders must be issued within 24 hours of application in urgent cases. |
| 2025 MLD 123 | Lahore High Court | Economic violence (denying financial resources) is recognized as domestic violence. |
| Lahore High Court Judgment (2022) | Lahore High Court | Directed Punjab government to formulate rules under 2016 Act, constitute WPCs, and establish database for service delivery [citation:3] |
Frequently Asked Questions on Domestic Violence Laws in Pakistan
Q1: Can I file a case against my husband under domestic violence laws?
Answer: Yes. You can file a case against your husband under provincial domestic violence laws, the Federal DV Act 2026 (if in Islamabad), or PPC sections for hurt, assault, or criminal intimidation. Police cannot refuse to register your FIR [citation:3].
Q2: How quickly can I get a protection order?
Answer: In urgent cases, the court can issue an interim protection order within 24-48 hours. Final protection orders typically take 30-60 days.
Q3: What is the Domestic Violence Act 2026?
Answer: The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2026 is a federal law signed by President Asif Ali Zardari on January 26, 2026, applicable to Islamabad Capital Territory. It criminalizes physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse, including threats of second marriage or divorce without consent [citation:1][citation:2][citation:6].
Q4: Are children protected under domestic violence laws?
Answer: Yes. Domestic violence laws protect children as well. The Federal DV Act 2026 applies to "children and other vulnerable individuals" [citation:6]. Child abuse is also covered under the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018.
Q5: Can I get maintenance if I leave home due to domestic violence?
Answer: Yes. If you leave the shared home due to domestic violence, you are still entitled to maintenance under Section 9 of MFLO 1961. The court can also order interim maintenance.
Chief Atta Ullah Baloch
Senior Family Law Expert | MK Law Associates, Mastung, Pakistan ✓ 25+ years in High Courts & Sessions Courts of PakistanComplete Family Law Resources from MK Legal Hub
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