National Assembly Passes Domestic Violence Bill 2025; Verbal Abuse and Psychological Harassment Declared Punishable Offences
Islamabad: The National Assembly has passed the landmark **Domestic Violence Bill 2025**, aimed at ensuring social protection for wives, children, elderly family members, and other household residents. The draft law will now be presented in the Senate for approval.
Under the bill, **verbal abuse — including insulting or offensive language towards a wife, children, or any household member — has been declared a criminal offence**. Emotional or psychological harassment has also been categorized as a punishable act.
According to the text of the approved bill, offenders may face **up to three years of imprisonment and fines up to Rs 100,000**.
The legislation further states that stalking a spouse, children, elderly individuals, or persons with disabilities within the household will constitute a criminal offence. Forcing a wife to live with others against her will is also punishable. Violating the privacy or dignity of family members has similarly been defined as an offence.
The bill covers threats of physical harm, false accusations within the household, and neglecting the care of a spouse, children, or other co-residing individuals. It also includes provisions against **sexual and economic exploitation**.
The law applies to **wives, children, elderly family members, adopted children, and transgender persons living within the same household**.
The Domestic Violence Bill 2025 was introduced in the National Assembly by PPP lawmaker **Sharmila Faruqi**.
