The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2026 has been passed in the joint session of Parliament, aiming to safeguard women, men, transgender individuals, children, and vulnerable people from domestic violence and ensure their access to justice and rehabilitation. The act will be enforced in the federal capital of Islamabad, with the Family Court entrusted with the authority to implement it. According to the act, domestic violence is defined in Section 3, while Section 3(c) specifically mentions emotional and verbal abuse. If the offense does not fall under the category of Pakistan Penal Code (1860), the maximum punishment for domestic violence is three years of imprisonment, while the minimum sentence is six months. The maximum fine is one lakh rupees, and the minimum is twenty thousand rupees, which will be paid to the affected individual.
Section 5 of the act states that if the affected individual files a request, the court will issue a notice to the alleged perpetrator, directing them to provide protection to the individual. The court must make a decision within 90 days of the request. Section 6 gives the affected individual the right to reside in a shared household, regardless of who owns the property. Section 7 allows the court to issue a temporary order, while Section 8 empowers the court to prohibit the alleged perpetrator from contacting the affected individual or staying in the same household.
The act also establishes a Protection Committee under Section 15, whose primary function is to inform the affected individual of their rights. The committee will provide medical care and find a safe location for the individual, and if necessary, assist with legal proceedings. The government has justified the need for this law to protect domestic life. However, the question remains whether this law can provide real protection, peace, comfort, and strengthen family relationships.
In an era where grandparents, parents, and other family members are increasingly absent in households, this law may inadvertently create more problems. The definition of domestic violence in the act may lead to an increase in court cases and potentially disrupt the harmony within households. As a lawyer with three decades of experience, I can attest that families who take their disputes to court often see their relationships deteriorate.
In this context, it is essential to establish a mediation committee comprising the elderly members of both families, who can provide guidance and counseling to resolve conflicts amicably. Incorporating the importance of forgiveness, tolerance, and patience into school curricula can also help promote more harmonious family relationships. The Quran emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and patience in family relationships, stating that those who forgive despite being in the right will be granted a guarantee of paradise.
The Pakistani government has expressed confidence in Imran Khan’s health, stating that he is fit and fine. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has announced the dates for player retention and release. The South African government has issued an ultimatum to an Israeli diplomat to leave the country within 72 hours. The PSL match at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore will begin at 4 pm tonight. The Chairman of PTI, Barrister Saad Hassan, has responded to the leaked audio message of Sheikh Waqas Akram, the PTI’s Secretary of Information.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the official song for the T20 World Cup 2026. The 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations was celebrated in Islamabad, with a ceremony to distribute awards for a logo design competition.
