President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2026, turning it into law. The bill was approved along with six other bills passed by Parliament, marking an important step in Pakistan’s legal system.
The new law gives a clear and wide definition of domestic violence. It includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse. Any act that causes fear, harm, or mental suffering within a domestic relationship will now be treated as domestic violence under this law.
The bill offers protection to all vulnerable groups. It applies to women, men, transgender persons, children, and other at-risk individuals. It also covers both current and former domestic relationships, including abuse within households and family settings.
This means the law is not limited to one group only. It aims to protect everyone living in unsafe domestic environments and provide legal support to victims who previously had limited protection.
The legislation also clearly explains how it will work with existing laws. If a crime is already covered under the Pakistan Penal Code, it will continue to be prosecuted under that law. However, if an abusive act is not listed in the Penal Code, it will now be handled under the new domestic violence law.
Along with this bill, the President also signed other important laws. These include the Danish School Authority Amendment Bill and the National Human Rights Commission Amendment Bill, which were also sent for ratification.
Under the Constitution, the President has 10 days to approve bills passed by Parliament. If the President does not sign within that time, the bills automatically become law. In this case, the Domestic Violence Bill was formally signed within the legal time frame.
Legal experts and rights activists have welcomed the move, calling it a major step toward protecting families and vulnerable people. The new law is seen as a strong effort to reduce abuse and promote safety inside homes across Pakistan.