Govt presents anti-domestic violence bill in NA.

ISLAMABAD -- Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari on Thursday presented the bill for Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2020 in the National Assembly with the aim to 'establish an effective system of protection, relief and rehabilitation of women, children, elders and any vulnerable persons against domestic violence'.

Introducing the bill, Mazari said that the act of domestic violence [if the offence committed does not fall under the Pakistan Penal Code] shall be punishable with imprisonment of maximum three years and minimum six months, depending on the gravity of the crime committed. According to the bill, if an offence falling under the PPC is committed in a domestic relationship, the crime shall be punishable as under the PPC.

A fine ranging from Rs20,000 to Rs100,000 would also be imposed on the perpetrator of domestic violence, that would be paid as compensation to the aggrieved person. In case of default in payment of fine, the perpetrator may be awarded three months imprisonment.

The bill, which also extends to Islamabad Capital Territory, defines domestic violence as 'all acts of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and economic abuse committed by a respondent against women, children, vulnerable persons, or any other...