ISLAMABAD: A joint sitting of Parliament on Friday passed the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2025, and the Daanish Schools Authority Bill, 2025, with a majority vote.
The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, moved by MNA Dr Sharmila Faruqui, was passed after the House rejected amendments proposed by MNA Aliya Kamran and Senator Kamran Murtaza, while approving amendments moved by Dr Faruqui. According to the statement of objects and reasons, domestic violence remains a pervasive problem in Pakistan, with alarming statistics highlighting its widespread nature. Data cited from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics shows that one in three women in the country experiences some form of domestic abuse during her lifetime. The situation in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) is described as equally concerning, with a noticeable increase in cases being reported to the authorities.
The statement notes that the Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment has also highlighted the rising number of domestic violence complaints in the ICT, pointing to the urgent need for stronger legal measures. It further states that as a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Pakistan is committed to eliminating gender-based violence and ensuring women’s right to live free from abuse.
In particular, CEDAW’s General Recommendation obliges state parties to adopt comprehensive legal frameworks to prevent and address domestic violence and to provide victims with adequate support and legal recourse. The new law seeks to bring Pakistan’s domestic legal framework in line with these international commitments by introducing stronger enforcement mechanisms, specialised support services, public awareness campaigns and preventive education programmes.
It also proposes more stringent penalties for offenders and improved legal protection for victims of domestic violence in the federal capital. The purpose of the bill, according to the statement, is to significantly reduce domestic violence in the ICT by establishing a comprehensive legal framework ensuring the protection, support and safety of victims. The legislation aims to define domestic violence, outline preventive measures and provide accessible legal recourse and support systems, while holding perpetrators accountable and working towards the elimination of abuse in all its forms — including physical, emotional, psychological and financial violence.
Meanwhile, the joint sitting also passed the Daanish Schools Authority Bill, 2025, which was moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazl Chaudhry. The House rejected amendments moved by MNA Aliya Kamran and Senator Kamran Murtaza, while accepting certain amendments proposed by Dr Chaudhry before approving the bill.
