Comments on: Domestic Violence Bill- Where It Stands

By: Ghizala Kazi

Ghizala Kazi — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 05:21:35 +0000

I am doing a programe on domestic violance bill i have collected the material but am still want to know its present status on today. Can anyone help me in providing this information.

By: Clip: The Domestic Violence Bill and Women’s Rights in Pakistan | Tea Break

Clip: The Domestic Violence Bill and Women’s Rights in Pakistan | Tea Break — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:38:40 +0000

[...] was going to write something on the Domestic Violence bill tonight but Sana Saleem beat me to it and has done a stella job. The bill, which has passed the National Assembly, places [...]

By: Maliha

Maliha — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:07:08 +0000

Great article Sana. I’m glad someone has started blogging on the Domestic Violence Bill. I just wanted to add a few more points to your critique on it, aside from the horrendous false accusation provision:
1. Domestic violence itself has not been criminalised. There is in effect no punishment for it – only a protection or residence order, which is in effect a restraint act – the punishment is only the breach of the protection or residence orders. However, the question is who will actually enforce these orders? Very likely, if a woman manages to get to the court once, if her husband gets to her despite the orders, how likely will it be she will go back to file a complaint? It is near to impossible.

2. The words in the definition of domestic violence – although over all, it is a good definition – but it is described as an ‘intentional act’. Therefore, if anyone can prove they did not INTEND to cause the harm i.e. it was ignorance, it was a mistake etc, they get off the hook immediately!

3. Implementation, as you have mentioned is a huge issue, especially with the unreliability of the police and also lack of women police officers required to form the Protection Committees.

There are other issues with the bill, but there are some major ones.

An answer to the question above my post about false accusations:
There is no punishment for false accusations for murder, theft, defamation, any corporate or civil cases. Why should there only be punishment for cases involving the protection of women? No where in the world, not even in Pakistan are accusations taken to court punishable if not proved? Why should this be any different? This is a necessary step for the protection for women against violence – why should this be qualified by a provision for false accusations? If the husband is innocent, let him prove it in court, the same way a woman has to prove her case.

By: Twitted by esmex

Twitted by esmex — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:19:52 +0000

[...] This post was Twitted by esmex [...]

By: jamash

jamash — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:21:28 +0000

A very honest and well written article.

By: Komal

Komal — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:44:57 +0000

Feminist high five? :p
Seriously speaking, you’ve covered mostly everything about the issue and I’d just like to point out that a lot of the times, if men are imprisoned, the bail is so low they can easily get out. Which again deters women from speaking out.
The Domestic Violence Bill is the first step and to ensure it leaves a footprint and an impact, the govt. needs to provide for the women who speak up too.
That said, appreciated your quoting of the Constitution and Jinnah! Excellent post, it is.

By: Domestic Violence Bill- Where It Stands | Tea Break

Domestic Violence Bill- Where It Stands | Tea Break — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:21:30 +0000

[...] This cup of tea was served by: Mystified Justice [...]

By: Clip: The Domestic Violence Bill and Women’s Rights in Pakistan « Roznamcha – Bach

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:15:44 +0000

[...] | Leave a Comment I was going to write something on the Domestic Violence bill tonight but Sana Saleem beat me to it and has done a stella job. The bill, which has passed the National Assembly, places [...]

By: OmEr Jamil

OmEr Jamil — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:34:59 +0000

I hope this communiqué finds you in the best of health.
Nice post Sana, you’ve always been good at that This is my first comment on any of your posts, thought I’m familiar with you and your writings in a way through twitter and via Rumaisa Mohani who regularly shares it there. Anyway, to let you know, the Hudood Ord. has long been replaced by WPA (Women Right Protection Act 2006). Does WPA still contain any clause like that?
Moreover, (I’m not defending the punishment or whatever) don’t you think such complainants of culprit sort should be punished for their evil deeds? Kindly tell me your views about it, if i’m already not missing any.
Have yourself a blessed day.
Long Live Pakistan