President Asif Ali Zardari formally granted assent to the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2026, marking a major legislative shift in Pakistan’s capital. The new law provides a sweeping definition of domestic abuse, covering physical, emotional, and economic harm against women, men, children, and transgender persons within the Islamabad Capital Territory. Perpetrators now face sentences of up to three years in prison and mandatory compensation of at least Rs20,000 for victims.
President @AAliZardari signed off on the much-debated Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2026, today, along with six other bills that were passed by parliament.https://t.co/qS6LY0Y1ly
— Pakistan Peoples Party – PPP (@PPP_Org) January 26, 2026
The President signed the bill alongside six other major acts passed by a joint sitting of Parliament last week. While Zardari initially raised concerns that some clauses were “vague,” Parliament moved forward to align domestic law with the CEDAW international treaty. One notable addition is the Daanish Schools Authority Bill, which establishes a federal framework for highly funded schools for underprivileged children, despite provincial sovereignty debates.
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Economic reforms were also at the forefront, with the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill providing significant relief to low-income salaried workers. Additionally, the Transfer of Railways Bill opens the door for private companies to operate their own trains on the national grid, a move intended to boost the transport of minerals from Reko Diq. These seven bills represent a comprehensive push to modernize Pakistan’s trade, human rights, and educational infrastructure.
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