Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Dr. Sharmila Faruqui has dismissed social media claims suggesting that the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2025 criminalizes husbands for staring or “ogling” at their wives.
Dr. Faruqui clarified the misinformation during an appearance on ARY News’ program Bakhabar Savera, stating that the bill contains no such provisions.
Domestic Violence Bill Passed by Parliament
The Domestic Violence Bill, 2025, was approved during a joint sitting of Parliament on Friday, alongside the Daanish Schools Authority Bill, 2025, by a majority vote.
Dr. Faruqui, who moved the bill, explained that it passed after rejections of amendments proposed by JUI-F lawmakers Aliya Kamran and Senator Kamran Murtaza, while amendments introduced by Faruqui herself were accepted.
Law Protects All Citizens Against Abuse
Dr. Faruqui emphasized that the Domestic Violence Bill applies to everyone, not just women. The law protects men, women, and elderly parents against physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, or economic abuse, as well as cases where children may mistreat parents or women may abuse men at home.
She criticized journalists and social media users for spreading false claims without reviewing the legislation.
“This bill does not provide protection to women alone,” she said, urging the public and media to read and understand the law carefully before making judgments or spreading misinformation.
