The state of Pakistan came into being for the implementation of the principles of Islam. Here a number of laws have been enacted in the light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah to protect the women against violence and for their basic rights. Some of the Family Laws of 1961, which are in accordance with the Qur'an and the Sunnah, have secured women's rights. The Assembly and the Senate have also passed an amended bill on the oppression of women and their rights. The following steps have been taken by the Government to eliminate violence against women in Pakistan:
Punjab Marriage Restraint Act 2015
Child marriage is a common custom in Pakistan. In Punjab, the legal age for marriage is minimum 16 years for girls, and minimum18 years for boys. In 2015, the Provincial Assembly of Punjab passed the Punjab Marriage Restraint Amendment Act, whereby the parents, Nikkah Registrar or Union Council officials who are involved in marrying of girls before they turn 16 and boys before they are 18 years old will be punished with imprisonment and heavy fines.
Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2016
To provide protection to women, the Punjab Government passed the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act on 24th February 2016. It provides justice, protection and relief to all women who have been subjected to violence. The act provides justice to female survivors of violence by protecting them from crimes such as abatement of an offence, domestic abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, economic abuse, stalking and cyber crimes etc.