ISLAMABAD:
The joint session of Parliament on Friday passed three bills – the Daanish Education Authority Bill 2025, the Human Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill 2025 – amid protests from the opposition.
During the session, opposition members, led by opposition leaders in the Senate and National Assembly – Abbas and Mehmood Khan Achakzai – gathered near the President’s dais and protested against the bills.
President Asif Ali Zardari had returned the bills last month despite their passage by Parliament.
Regarding the Daanian Schools Authority Bill, a presidential statement quoted Zardari as saying: “In the case of establishment of Daanian schools in the provinces, prior consultation with the respective provincial governments is essential.”
When the Daanish Education Authority bill was presented in joint session, the JUI-F opposed it. JUI-F Senator Murtaza maintained that President Zardari had returned the bill unsigned and called it unconstitutional. The bill was, however, passed.
The Human Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025 was introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chaudhry while PPP MP Shazia Marri also proposed an amendment to the legislation, both of which were approved.
The JUI-F also recommended certain amendments to the bill, which were rejected.
PPP’s Sharmila Faruqui introduced the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, which was passed despite protests from opposition members.
JUI-F leader Rehman called the legislation “unconstitutional and illegal,” demanding it be referred to the Council of Islamic Ideology. He said the bill was against Islam.
Defending the legislation, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry said the bill would provide protection not only to women but also to men.
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the National Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the amendment seeks to remove ambiguities in the law and was introduced in accordance with the cabinet directives in light of the Supreme Court judgment (PLD 2016 SC 808).
According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, domestic violence remains a pervasive problem in Pakistan, with alarming statistics highlighting its widespread nature.
Data cited by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics shows that one in three women in the country experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime.
The situation in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) is described as equally worrying, with a notable increase in the number of cases reported to authorities.
The statement notes that the Federal Ombudsman for Protection against Harassment also highlighted the increasing number of domestic violence complaints under the TCI, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter 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 the right of women to live free from violence.
In particular, the CEDAW general recommendation requires States parties to adopt comprehensive legal frameworks to prevent and combat domestic violence and to provide victims with adequate support and legal remedies.
The new law aims to align Pakistan’s domestic legal framework with those international ““““““““““““““““““““““` ““““““““““““““““““““““` “““““““““““““““““““““““““““““ commitments by introducing stricter enforcement mechanisms, specialized support services, public awareness campaigns and preventive education programs.
It also proposes tougher penalties for offenders and better legal protection for victims of domestic violence in the federal capital.
The aim of the bill, according to the statement, is to significantly reduce domestic violence in ICT by establishing a comprehensive legal framework ensuring the protection, support and safety of victims.
The legislation aims to define domestic violence, outline preventative measures and provide accessible legal remedies and support systems, while holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and working to eliminate abuse in all its forms, including physical, emotional, psychological and financial violence.
Following the passage of the bill, the joint session was sine die.
