Threatening a Wife With Divorce or Second Marriage: What Pakistan’s New Law Says
In a significant step toward strengthening legal protection for women, Pakistan’s Parliament has passed new legislation recognizing psychological and emotional abuse within marriage as a criminal offense. Among the most discussed provisions is the criminalization of threatening a wife with divorce or a second marriage as a means of intimidation or control.
1/24/20262 min read
What Is the New Law?
The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2026, passed in a joint session of Parliament, expands the legal definition of domestic violence. The law explicitly includes verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse, acknowledging that harm within a household is not limited to physical violence.
Under this Act, repeatedly threatening a wife with divorce or remarriage — when done to create fear, pressure, or dominance — is now considered a punishable offense.
Why This Matters
For years, women’s rights advocates have argued that threats of divorce or polygamy are commonly used as tools of control within marriages. While family laws governed marriage and divorce procedures, there was previously no criminal accountability for such psychological coercion. The new law closes this gap by recognizing these threats as a form of domestic abuse.
Punishments and Legal Consequences
Under the Domestic Violence Act:
Offenders may face imprisonment of up to three years
Courts may impose financial penalties
Protective measures such as restraining orders, residence rights, and speedy hearings are available to victims
Failure to comply with court orders or pay fines may result in additional penalties.
Scope of the Law
At present, the law applies to the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). However, it has sparked national debate and renewed discussions in provincial assemblies about adopting similar protections across Pakistan.
How the Law Defines “Threats”
The Act takes a broad view of abuse. Threats are not limited to direct statements but include:
Repeated verbal intimidation
Psychological pressure related to divorce or remarriage
Humiliation, harassment, or coercive behavior within the household
The intent behind the behavior — to control, frighten, or dominate — is a key factor.
A Shift in Legal Thinking
This legislation reflects a growing recognition by lawmakers and courts that psychological abuse can be just as damaging as physical violence. It also aligns with recent judicial trends acknowledging emotional harm as legitimate grounds for legal relief.
Conclusion
The criminalization of threats of divorce or second marriage marks a notable shift in Pakistan’s approach to domestic violence. By addressing emotional and psychological abuse, the law aims to offer women greater dignity, security, and access to justice within marriage.
As implementation begins, legal experts emphasize the importance of public awareness so that victims understand their rights and the protections now available to them.
Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration