The Punjab police department has proposed amendments to the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act (PPWVA-2016), suggesting an increase in the fine to Rs1 million and reclassifying domestic violence as a non-bailable offense to improve the protection of women in the province.
Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, submitted a summary to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, recommending that these amendments be presented to the provincial cabinet for approval. A senior official noted that the changes were driven by the fact that only 6% of domestic violence cases result in FIRs, with many offenders escaping punishment due to settlements or lack of legal pursuit.
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The proposed amendments would introduce a three-year prison sentence or a fine of up to Rs1 million for first-time offenders, with repeat offenses becoming non-bailable. Dr. Usman emphasized the widespread nature of domestic violence in Punjab and highlighted the limited effectiveness of the Virtual Women Police Station (VWPS) due to the absence of stronger legal penalties.
The suggested amendments to Section 21 of the Act aim to introduce harsher punishments and ensure that domestic violence cases are taken more seriously, making the offense cognizable, bailable, and compoundable, while repeat offenses would become non-bailable.
