Pakistan has taken a significant step toward gender-neutral legal protection with amendments to its domestic violence law, granting men the same rights as women and children to seek protection and legal recourse against abuse. The changes mark a major shift in how domestic violence is addressed under the law.
Under the amended Domestic Violence Protection Bill, men who experience abuse within the household can now formally file complaints and pursue legal action. The law also allows cases to be registered against women if they are found guilty of committing violence against men, reinforcing the principle of equality before the law.
The stated objective of the amended Act is to safeguard women, men, transgender persons, and children from domestic violence without discrimination. Officials say the revisions aim to ensure that all victims, regardless of gender, have access to justice and protection.
The law applies to the Islamabad Capital Territory and has come into force with immediate effect. Authorities explained that the decision for instant enforcement was taken to ensure timely protection, quicker remedies, and effective intervention in domestic violence cases.
The amended legislation also broadens the definition of domestic violence. It now includes physical, emotional, psychological, verbal, sexual, and economic abuse, all of which are categorized as punishable offenses. This expanded definition is intended to reflect the diverse forms abuse can take within domestic settings.
In addition, the law now recognizes threats of unjustified divorce or a second marriage, false allegations damaging a person’s character, and unjustified abandonment or neglect of family members as acts of domestic violence. These provisions aim to address forms of coercion and harm that often fall outside traditional definitions of abuse.
The amendments further criminalize stalking, continuous surveillance, harassment, and interference in an individual’s private life. Legal experts say these measures are crucial in addressing non-physical abuse, which frequently goes unreported due to social stigma or lack of legal clarity.
If domestic violence is proven, offenders may face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years. Courts are also authorized to award compensation of at least Rs20,000 to the affected individual. According to legal analysts, the compensation provision is designed to provide immediate financial relief while strengthening accountability.
The amendments have been widely viewed as a step toward inclusive human rights protection, reflecting a growing recognition that domestic violence can affect individuals across all genders and age groups.
