President Zardari signs seven bills, landmark domestic violence law enacted

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari gave his assent to seven bills passed by Parliament, formally enacting them into law before leaving for an official visit to the United Arab Emirates. Among them, the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill 2026 has been hailed as a landmark move, strengthening protections for spouses against abuse.

The amendment explicitly criminalises physical abuse, intimidation, and coercive threats, including threats related to a second marriage. It also expands legal safeguards against emotional and psychological harassment, providing victims with stronger remedies and clearer legal recourse. The bill was initially introduced by PPP lawmaker Sharmila Faruqui but faced objections from the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), which reportedly influenced the president’s earlier hesitation to sign it.

The other six bills approved cover a wide range of reforms. These include the Daanish Schools Authority Bill, Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, Export Development Fund (Amendment) Bill, Transfer of Railways (Amendment) Bill, National Commission for Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, and National Tariff Commission (Amendment) Bill. The Daanish Schools bill, initially contested by the PPP over provincial jurisdiction concerns, was revised and cleared in a joint parliamentary session before presidential approval. The Human Rights (Amendment) Bill also faced prior opposition from the JUI-F but was ratified alongside the other legislation.

All seven bills had completed the parliamentary process, with three reconsidered in a joint session after initially being returned unsigned. With Monday’s assent, the laws are now in effect nationwide, marking a significant legislative step on issues ranging from education and fiscal reform to civil rights and protection against domestic abuse.

Officials noted that the domestic violence law represents a key milestone in empowering victims and reinforcing spousal rights under Pakistan’s legal framework. Meanwhile, the broader package of bills is expected to enhance governance, strengthen institutional oversight, and promote social and economic reforms.

President Zardari’s approval of these laws comes ahead of his Gulf visit, reflecting both domestic legislative priorities and the administration’s broader agenda for institutional and social reforms.