By Uzma Ehtasham
In a landmark decision, Pakistan’s joint session of Parliament has approved three bills that had previously been returned by the President, most notably the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill 2025. Both the National Assembly and the Senate had already passed these measures, but the President had expressed reservations before sending them back for reconsideration. The parliamentary approval marks a decisive step in formalizing legal protections against domestic abuse, yet it also raises important questions about legislative process and social readiness.
The Domestic Violence Bill seeks to criminalize a wide range of abusive behaviors, extending beyond physical violence to acts often overlooked in public discourse. Under the legislation, glaring at one’s spouse, verbal abuse, threats of divorce or remarriage, and causing emotional or psychological distress are all punishable offences. Forcing a spouse to live with other individuals against their will is also deemed a crime. The law prescribes imprisonment ranging from six months to three years for perpetrators. Significantly, its protections are not limited to women alone; children, elderly household members, foster children, transgender individuals, and cohabiting partners are all covered. In this respect, the bill represents a comprehensive attempt to address power imbalances and abuse within domestic spaces.
The President had suggested that provincial consultation should precede final approval. Such a process might have allowed for a more grounded approach, taking into account the social, cultural, and legal realities across Pakistan’s diverse regions. By choosing instead to pass the legislation directly at the federal level, Parliament has signaled urgency and commitment, but it may also have bypassed an opportunity to strengthen the law’s implementation and societal acceptance. Provincial input could have provided practical guidance on enforcement, local sensitivities, and the integration of existing family support mechanisms, thereby enhancing the bill’s effectiveness.
Protecting women and children is undeniably urgent. Domestic violence is a pervasive issue, and legal instruments are necessary to safeguard vulnerable individuals from harm. Yet, legislation alone cannot transform social attitudes. Lawmakers must carefully balance moral imperatives with societal realities. Children, for example, may exploit loopholes or test boundaries if parental guidance and social oversight are inadequate. Similarly, adults may struggle to navigate a legal framework that is progressive on paper but lacks widespread public understanding or cultural resonance. Pakistan’s society contends with a range of moral, social, and economic challenges, and laws imposed without adequate contextualization risk limited impact or unintended consequences.
The Domestic Violence Bill reflects a broader tension inherent in lawmaking: the desire to enact reform rapidly versus the need to ensure that legislation is practical, enforceable, and socially coherent. Laws imposed purely on the basis of idealism, without considering family structures, traditional norms, and lived experiences, often fail to achieve their intended outcomes. Effective reform requires more than punitive measures; it demands education, community engagement, and institutional readiness. Courts, law enforcement agencies, and social services must be equipped to uphold the law, and citizens must be encouraged to understand their rights and responsibilities under it.
Another consideration is the scope of the bill. While its inclusive language is progressive, its enforcement will depend on both public awareness and the capacity of local institutions. Families in rural or economically marginalized areas may find it difficult to navigate legal channels, and victims may hesitate to come forward due to stigma or fear of social ostracization. Without parallel measures such as awareness campaigns, accessible legal aid, and community support networks, the bill risks becoming a symbolic gesture rather than a tool for genuine protection.
There is also a need to monitor potential social ramifications carefully. Laws that address sensitive areas like domestic relations inherently touch upon personal and emotional spheres. When legislation intersects with deeply entrenched cultural norms, enforcement must be nuanced and accompanied by guidance that encourages reconciliation and education alongside accountability. Otherwise, the law may inadvertently create friction within households and communities, undermining its own objectives.
Despite these challenges, the passage of the Domestic Violence Bill is an important milestone. It signals recognition by the legislature that abuse, in all its forms, is unacceptable. By codifying protections for women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups, Parliament has taken a clear stand in favour of human dignity and justice. The bill has the potential to reshape societal norms, provided it is implemented thoughtfully, with attention to the social fabric and the practicalities of enforcement.
(The writer is a public health professional, journalist, and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
