Domestic Violence Protection Orders: Your Rights Under the 2026 Framework
Domestic violence remains a serious issue affecting women, children, men, transgender
persons, and other vulnerable individuals in Pakistan. The
Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2026, primarily
applicable in Islamabad Capital Territory, strengthens legal protections by expanding
the scope of domestic violence and providing remedies such as
Protection Orders and Residence Orders.
Provincial laws, including the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act 2016
and domestic violence legislation in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, also
provide protections against domestic abuse. This guide explains the key rights and
remedies available under the 2026 framework and related laws.
What Counts as Domestic Violence?
Depending on the applicable law and circumstances, domestic violence may include:
- Physical abuse and assault
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Humiliation, threats and intimidation
- Stalking and harassment
- Economic abuse and financial control
- Sexual abuse and coercion
- Cyber harassment within domestic relationships
- Threats or coercive conduct relating to divorce or remarriage
- Wilful neglect of dependents
Protection may extend to current or former domestic relationships, depending on the
applicable legislation.
Types of Court Orders Available
| Order Type | What It Does | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Interim / Emergency Order | Provides temporary protection while the case is pending. | Immediate safety |
| Protection Order |
May prohibit further violence, harassment, contact or approaching the victim’s home, workplace or school, subject to the court’s order. | Stops ongoing abuse |
| Residence Order |
May allow the victim to remain in the shared household or require the respondent to leave, where legally appropriate. | Protection from eviction or displacement |
| Monetary Order |
May provide financial relief for qualifying expenses, losses, medical costs or other matters recognized by the applicable law. | Financial relief |
Depending on the applicable legislation and circumstances, a court may also impose
additional restrictions designed to protect the victim from further violence or threats.
Your Key Rights Under the 2026 Framework
- Right to seek immediate protection from domestic violence.
- Right to seek protection relating to the shared household, where provided by law.
- Right to initiate proceedings personally or through an authorized person where permitted.
- Right to request confidential or in-camera proceedings where legally available.
- Right to seek legal aid and support services where eligible.
- Right to seek compensation or monetary relief where permitted by law.
- Right to seek protection for children and other vulnerable dependents.
Important: Breach of a court-issued Protection Order may constitute a
separate offence and can result in criminal penalties under the applicable law.
How to Get a Protection Order: Step-by-Step
1. Ensure Immediate Safety
If there is an immediate threat, contact the police on 15, contact an
appropriate legal or protection helpline, or move to a safe location or shelter.
2. Gather Available Evidence
Preserve evidence that may help establish the abuse, including:
- Medical or medico-legal certificates (MLC)
- Photographs of injuries or property damage
- Screenshots of threatening messages
- Call records or other relevant digital evidence
- Witness information
- Previous police complaints or FIRs
- Previous court orders
3. File the Petition
Approach the competent court or authority under the law applicable in your province or
Islamabad Capital Territory. Depending on the applicable legislation, proceedings may
involve a Family Court, Magistrate or another designated court.
4. Seek Interim Relief
In urgent circumstances, the court may consider interim protection to reduce the risk
of further violence while the main proceedings are pending.
5. Final Hearing
After considering the parties’ positions and available evidence, the court may pass
appropriate final orders, including Protection, Residence or Monetary Orders where
authorized by the applicable law.
Documents Commonly Required
- CNIC of the applicant
- Details of the respondent, including name, address and relationship
- Description of incidents and relevant dates
- Medical reports and photographs, where available
- Digital evidence such as messages or call records
- Nikahnama or marriage certificate, where applicable
- Proof of residence, where relevant
- Copies of previous complaints, FIRs or court orders, if any
Important Practical Tips
- Prioritize personal safety and seek urgent assistance where necessary.
- Keep copies of complaints, medical reports and court documents.
- Record the dates and details of incidents as accurately as possible.
- Preserve digital evidence without altering the original messages or files.
- Report any alleged violation of a Protection Order promptly.
- Ask the court for appropriate arrangements for children where their safety is involved.
- Seek professional legal advice because procedures and remedies vary between jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can men also seek Protection Orders?
The availability of protection depends on the legislation applicable to the particular
jurisdiction and the protected persons covered by that law. Certain laws provide
protection to broader categories of vulnerable persons, while some provincial statutes
have more specific scopes.
Do I need a lawyer to obtain a Protection Order?
A lawyer may not always be legally mandatory, depending on the applicable procedure.
However, professional legal assistance can be very useful for preparing the petition,
presenting evidence and seeking appropriate interim and final relief.
What if the police refuse to help?
Depending on the circumstances, a person may have additional legal remedies, including
approaching the competent magistrate or court and seeking appropriate directions under
the applicable criminal and domestic violence laws.
Can the alleged abuser be ordered to leave the house?
Yes, where the applicable law empowers the court to issue a Residence Order and the
circumstances justify such relief. The exact requirements depend on the relevant
provincial or Islamabad Capital Territory legislation.
Need Urgent Legal Help or Confidential Advice?
If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, do not suffer in silence.
Obtaining timely legal advice can help you understand available protection and legal
remedies.
Justify.pk provides legal information and assistance regarding domestic
violence matters, including guidance concerning Protection Orders and related proceedings.
Contact Justify.pk: 0300-0779014
Important Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general legal
information and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified advocate. Domestic
violence laws, jurisdiction, procedures, deadlines and available remedies may differ
between Islamabad Capital Territory and the provinces. The applicable law should be
verified for the specific circumstances of each case. In case of immediate danger,
contact emergency services first.
