Threatening your wife with divorce or second marriage may land you in jail

A joint session of the Senate and National Assembly has passed a new law to strengthen social protection for women and children.

The Domestic Violence Act 2026 was passed during a joint sitting of the upper and lower houses of Parliament.

The law will be applicable in the federal capital and seeks to broaden the definition of domestic violence beyond physical abuse.

Under the newly approved act, staring at your wife with ill intent, threatening her with divorce or a second marriage, or forcing her to live with other people in the house against her will have been declared punishable offences.

The legislation also criminalises verbal abuse, as well as emotional and psychological harassment of a wife, children, or any other person living in the household.

According to the act, anyone found guilty of domestic violence may face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Rs100,000, or both. In case of failure to pay the fine, the offender can be sentenced to an additional six months in jail.

The Domestic Violence Act 2026 further expands the scope of abuse to include economic exploitation, alongside sexual abuse, marking a significant step towards comprehensive protection for vulnerable family members.