On 23 January 2026, Pakistan’s Parliament took a landmark step in the fight against domestic abuse by enacting the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2026. Passed through a joint sitting and taking effect immediately for the Islamabad Capital Territory, the law establishes a comprehensive legal framework to protect individuals from abuse within domestic relationships.
The Act expands the understanding of domestic violence beyond physical assault to include emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse, recognising that harm can take many forms. For the first time, it criminalises acts such as threats of unjustified divorce or a second marriage, false allegations against a person’s character, wilful neglect of dependents, stalking, harassment, forced cohabitation, and deprivation of legally entitled financial support. Insults, mockery, and other acts that diminish the dignity of a household member are now considered crimes. In order to protect victims before harm worsens, the law defines domestic violence broadly, acknowledging the various ways abuse can appear inside households.
The law distinguishes between legitimate rights and abuse; it does not ban divorce or polygamy but criminalizes using them as threats to intimidate a spouse
In addition to fines of up to Rs 100,000, some of which must be given directly to the victim as compensation, offenders may be imprisoned for six months to three years. Aiding and abetting domestic violence carries the same consequences as the primary offense, and failure to pay fines may result in further jail time. The Act further emphasizes that domestic abuse will no longer be regarded as a private affair under the law by treating violations of protection, interim, residence, or custody orders as distinct offenses
Unlike previous legislation, this Act explicitly recognises that anyone living in a domestic relationship be it women, men, children, transgender persons, the elderly, the disabled, or other vulnerable individuals can be a victim. Victims are granted the legal status of “aggrieved person,” empowering them to seek protection, relief, and legal enforcement regardless of gender.
The Act applies exclusively to the Islamabad Capital Territory, complementing existing provincial legislation. By consolidating protection measures for Islamabad residents, the federal law ensures that the capital aligns with progressive standards, even as provincial governments retain authority over their territories.
Although there has been some controversy, responses to the law have generally been favorable. Talal Chaudhry, the Minister of State for the Interior, defended the law, stressing that it would protect both men and women. However, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called the legislation "unconstitutional and unlawful," demanding that it be referred to the Council of Islamic Ideology and claiming that it was against Islam. It is important to note that while the law does not criminalize divorce or polygamy per se, it does criminalize threats or the coercive use of these practices to abuse or intimidate a spouse. The majority of objections were addressed by this distinction, which also reaffirmed that the law targets abuse rather than legitimate marital rights.
A clear legislative commitment to addressing domestic abuse as a public, criminal affair rather than a private one is represented by the Domestic Violence Act of 2026. It brings Islamabad's legal system into compliance with international norms for victim protection by acknowledging emotional, financial, and psychological abuse in addition to physical violence. However, public awareness, court responsiveness, and efficient enforcement will ultimately determine the law's success. Courts must follow set deadlines, protection officers must have proper training, and residents must be made aware of their rights. Although the Act's passing is a significant milestone, its true impact will be determined by how well it improves the lives of the people it is intended to protect.