The Senate on Thursday approved the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2025, introducing stricter punishments for individuals who threaten divorce or contract another marriage on baseless allegations.
Read More: NA passes Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill
The legislation, already passed by the National Assembly, was cleared through a supplementary agenda after rules were suspended, bypassing the standing committee stage. The move triggered strong protests from PTI and JUI-F lawmakers.
PTI Senator Mohsin Aziz objected to the use of the word “transgender” in the bill, arguing that “intersex” should be used instead to ensure accuracy and avoid misconceptions. Meanwhile, JUI-F senators Maulana Attaur Rehman and Kamran Murtaza rejected the bill, terming it “un-Islamic” and expressing concerns over its scope and implications for family structures.
Senator Sherry Rehman’s *Domestic Violence Prevention Bill 2025* has been passed by the Senate.She stated that the bill has already been approved in every province, Those opposing the bill should read it first, as it is neither against Islam nor against the Constitution. pic.twitter.com/3vMd5JYpQs
— SherryRehman’sTeam (@SRehmanOffice) November 27, 2025
Introduced by PPP parliamentary leader Senator Sherry Rehman, the bill broadens the definition of domestic violence to include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse.
It extends protection to women, men, transgender individuals, children, and vulnerable persons who share or previously shared a domestic relationship with the respondent. The legislation also guarantees the aggrieved person’s right to live in a shared household, regardless of property ownership.
The Senate has passed the 2025 Domestic Violence Bill. Sherry Rehman says it opposes neither Islam nor the Constitution and ensures dignity and protection at home. The bill was pending for 15 years and is now approved nationwide. pic.twitter.com/n1tafpGn98
— SherryRehman’sTeam (@SRehmanOffice) November 27, 2025
Sherry Rehman emphasised the urgency of the bill, recalling that the PPP had presented a similar proposal in 2004. She described the legislation as a “lifeline for survivors,” arguing that domestic violence is a public emergency rather than a private matter.
She added that where existing laws do not criminalise abuse, the bill introduces new penalties ranging from six months to one year in prison and fines up to Rs100,000, with at least Rs20,000 to be paid directly to the survivor.
Read More: Minister, CII chief criticises Domestic Violence Bill, terms un-Islamic
The bill also imposes equal penalties on those who aid or abet domestic abuse, marking a significant step toward expanding legal protections and accountability mechanisms across Pakistan.