LAHORE – The first case under the Protection of Women against Violence law was registered on Tuesday by a woman after the Punjab governor had signed the bill.
On Monday, Punjab Governor Rafiq Rajwana had signed the Protection of Women against Violence bill, thereby making it into a law. The first case was registered under the new law by a woman.
According to details, Basra Bibi from Lahore filed a case against her husband for allegedly threatening and assaulting her. This is the first case that has been registered under the Protection of Women against Violence Bill.
The bill – which guarantees women safety against torture and violence in domestic disputes – had been the object of much controversy when it was passed by the Punjab Assembly last month. As per the bill (which has now become a law) a man can be banished from home for two days if he assaults his wife and would also be required to wear a tracker.
The bill also prohibits torture of wives and forbids her from being expunged from the house, in case of a confrontation with her husband. After the bill had been passed by the Punjab Assembly, a fierce debate had ensued between conservative and liberal elements.
Some saw the bill as a landmark document that guaranteed women freedom and rights. However, others saw it as a bill that subjugated the rights of men, with JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman stating that he would campaign for the rights of husbands.
