Rawalpindi ADC files domestic violence case against husband

RAWALPINDI: Police have arrested a man after a senior Rawalpindi district administration officer accused him of physical and psychological abuse, wrongful confinement and death threats.

The complainant, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Maliha Sahar, alleged that her husband, Jawad Ali, subjected her to severe physical, emotional and psychological abuse and repeatedly threatened her life.

The Women Police Station in Rawalpindi registered a case against Jawad under Sections 342 (wrongful confinement) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code and arrested him.

The suspect was subsequently produced before a court, which sent him to jail on 14-day judicial remand.

Sahar, a mother of two, told police that she had been facing physical and psychological abuse by her husband for several months.

She alleged that she had remained silent and continued to compromise in an attempt to preserve her family, but his behaviour had progressively become more violent and coercive.

According to the FIR, the situation escalated on the evening of October 2, when Jawad allegedly assaulted her, forcibly took away her mobile phone and locked her inside a room.

She alleged that she was prevented from leaving the room and was also stopped from contacting her family, meeting her children, approaching police or seeking emergency assistance.

The complainant further alleged that her husband threatened to kill her and harm their children, leaving her fearful for her life and physical safety.

She said the seizure of her mobile phone and restrictions on her movement had effectively cut her off from her family and from people who could provide assistance.

Sahar also alleged that the incident was not an isolated domestic dispute but part of a continuing pattern of physical assault, psychological abuse, intimidation and controlling behaviour.

She further alleged that restrictions on her access to her minor children were used as a means of pressure and intimidation.

The ADC requested police protection, saying she feared further violence or an attempt on her life.

She also sought legal action, a medical examination and preservation of evidence of injuries allegedly sustained during the incident.

The allegations against Jawad have not been independently established, and the case remains under investigation.