Pro-Women Laws and Policies
- Domestic Laws and Policies
- International Conventions/Treaties
- Strategy Frameworks and Policy Documents
Provincial Laws
This legislation is designed to address domestic violence by providing legal protections and support services for victims, including measures for the prevention of abuse through protection orders, and the provision of shelters and counseling services.
The Balochistan Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2016
Aimed at creating safe and harassment free work environments for women, this act mandates the establishment of inquiry committees in workplaces, outlines procedures for filing complaints before the Inquiry Committee and the Ombudsman, and imposes penalties for harassment offenses.
This act focuses on safeguarding the rights and well-being of children by establishing mechanisms for reporting child abuse, setting up child protection units, and outlining procedures for the care and rehabilitation of abused or neglected children.
Designed to ensure the security and cooperation of witnesses in legal proceedings, this act establishes measures for witness protection, including the provision of anonymity, relocation assistance, and other forms of support to encourage their testimony.
This legislation aims to promote the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination, ensuring accessibility to public spaces, and providing for the establishment of disability rights councils to address their specific needs.
This act provides an efficacious and speedy mechanism for issuance of Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates in the province of Balochistan.
Federal Laws
Focused on improving the investigation and trial processes for rape cases, this act aims to expedite legal proceedings, enhance victim protection, and increase conviction rates through the use of forensic evidence and specialized training for law enforcement and judicial personnel.
Provides for effective measures to prevent and combat the trafficking in persons especially women and children; to promote and facilitate national and international co-operation in this regard; to protect the trafficking victims; and to provide for matters connected therewith or ancillary thereto.
The National Commission on Status of Women Act 2012
Established a statutory body in July 2000 as an outcome of the national and international commitments of the Government of Pakistan like Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995; and National Plan of Action (NPA) for Women, 1998.
The National Commission on Status of Women Act 2012
Established a statutory body in July 2000 as an outcome of the national and international commitments of the Government of Pakistan like Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995; and National Plan of Action (NPA) for Women, 1998.
The National Commission on Status of Women (NCSW) (Amendment) Act 2018
This amendment strengthens the mandate and functions of the National Commission on Status of Women, empowering it to monitor and evaluate policies and programs related to women’s rights and gender equality.
The National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012
The National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012 stipulates a broad and overarching mandate for the promotion, protection and fulfillment of human rights, as provided for in Pakistan’s Constitution and international treaties. As an impartial state body, the NCHR works independently of the Government and is directly accountable to the Parliament of Pakistan.
The National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012
The National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012 stipulates a broad and overarching mandate for the promotion, protection and fulfillment of human rights, as provided for in Pakistan’s Constitution and international treaties. As an impartial state body, the NCHR works independently of the Government and is directly accountable to the Parliament of Pakistan.
Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2021
This amendment was passed to effectually tackle the pervading instances of rape and sexual abuse in respect of women and children through changes in the substantive law.
Women in Distress and Detention Fund Act 2018
This law aims at providing financial assistance and support to women who are in distress or detained in prisons. The law establishes a fund specifically dedicated to addressing the needs of such women, including providing for their welfare, rehabilitation, legal aid, and other forms of support.
Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act 2020
The Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act 2020 addresses issues related to child abduction and missing children, establishing mechanisms for rapid response and recovery efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of abducted or missing children.
Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016
PECA is a legislation aimed at addressing and preventing electronic crimes. This Act was enacted to combat various forms of cybercrime, including unauthorized access to computer systems, electronic fraud, cyber bullying, and online harassment. The PECA provides legal mechanisms for the investigation and prosecution of offenses related to electronic and internet-based activities, while also safeguarding the rights and privacy of individuals.
The Dowry and Bridal Gift (Restriction) Act, 1976
This law was enacted to provide for restriction on dowry and bridal gifts and for matters connected with it.
Hindu Women Rights to Property Act 1937
This law was enacted to amend the laws governing Hindu women rights to property in Pakistan.
Guardian and Wards Act 1870
Deals with the appointment and regulation of guardians for minors (persons below the age of majority) and their property. It outlines the procedures for appointing guardians, their powers, duties, and responsibilities towards the minor. It also aims to ensure the welfare and best interests of minors who are unable to take care of themselves or manage their affairs independently.
Aims to provide equal rights to transgender people and to safeguard their rights through legal recognition. This includes enabling transgender people to obtain identification documentation and change their gender in the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA). It also prohibits the harassment of and discrimination against transgender people at home, in public spaces, in education, and in social settings.
Provincial Policies
National Policies
Ratified by Pakistan on March 12, 1996. CEDAW is often described as an international bill of rights for women.
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
Pakistan endorsed this declaration at the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995. It outlines strategic objectives and actions for achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Pakistan ratified this protocol on March 7, 2012. The protocol allows individuals to bring complaints of violations of women’s rights directly to the CEDAW Committee after exhausting national remedies.
Pakistan is a signatory to the UDHR, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. While not a legally binding treaty, the UDHR outlines fundamental human rights principles, including equality and non-discrimination, which are relevant to women’s rights.
Pakistan ratified the ICCPR on April 23, 2010. This covenant protects civil and political rights, including the right to life, freedom of speech, and freedom from discrimination, which are essential for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Pakistan ratified the ICESCR on April 23, 2010. This covenant recognizes the right to work, the right to education, and the right to an adequate standard of living, which are important for advancing women’s economic and social rights.
While not specifically focused on women, CRC includes provisions related to girls’ rights and gender equality. Pakistan ratified the CRC on November 12, 1990.
Pakistan ratified the CRPD on July 5, 2011. The CRPD aims to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities. This includes women and girls with disabilities, addressing issues of discrimination, accessibility, and participation in society.
Engaging Men in VAW Prevention and Intervention
Mobilizing Community Members in VAW Prevention and Intervention
Pro-Women Laws and Policies
Provincial Laws
This legislation is designed to address domestic violence by providing legal protections and support services for victims, including measures for the prevention of abuse through protection orders, and the provision of shelters and counseling services.
The Balochistan Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2016
Aimed at creating safe and harassment free work environments for women, this act mandates the establishment of inquiry committees in workplaces, outlines procedures for filing complaints before the Inquiry Committee and the Ombudsman, and imposes penalties for harassment offenses.
This act focuses on safeguarding the rights and well-being of children by establishing mechanisms for reporting child abuse, setting up child protection units, and outlining procedures for the care and rehabilitation of abused or neglected children.
Designed to ensure the security and cooperation of witnesses in legal proceedings, this act establishes measures for witness protection, including the provision of anonymity, relocation assistance, and other forms of support to encourage their testimony.
This legislation aims to promote the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination, ensuring accessibility to public spaces, and providing for the establishment of disability rights councils to address their specific needs.
This act provides an efficacious and speedy mechanism for issuance of Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates in the province of Balochistan.
Federal Laws
Focused on improving the investigation and trial processes for rape cases, this act aims to expedite legal proceedings, enhance victim protection, and increase conviction rates through the use of forensic evidence and specialized training for law enforcement and judicial personnel.
Provides for effective measures to prevent and combat the trafficking in persons especially women and children; to promote and facilitate national and international co-operation in this regard; to protect the trafficking victims; and to provide for matters connected therewith or ancillary thereto.
The National Commission on Status of Women Act 2012
Established a statutory body in July 2000 as an outcome of the national and international commitments of the Government of Pakistan like Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995; and National Plan of Action (NPA) for Women, 1998.
The National Commission on Status of Women Act 2012
Established a statutory body in July 2000 as an outcome of the national and international commitments of the Government of Pakistan like Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995; and National Plan of Action (NPA) for Women, 1998.
The National Commission on Status of Women (NCSW) (Amendment) Act 2018
This amendment strengthens the mandate and functions of the National Commission on Status of Women, empowering it to monitor and evaluate policies and programs related to women’s rights and gender equality.
The National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012
The National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012 stipulates a broad and overarching mandate for the promotion, protection and fulfillment of human rights, as provided for in Pakistan’s Constitution and international treaties. As an impartial state body, the NCHR works independently of the Government and is directly accountable to the Parliament of Pakistan.
The National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012
The National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012 stipulates a broad and overarching mandate for the promotion, protection and fulfillment of human rights, as provided for in Pakistan’s Constitution and international treaties. As an impartial state body, the NCHR works independently of the Government and is directly accountable to the Parliament of Pakistan.
Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2021
This amendment was passed to effectually tackle the pervading instances of rape and sexual abuse in respect of women and children through changes in the substantive law.
Women in Distress and Detention Fund Act 2018
This law aims at providing financial assistance and support to women who are in distress or detained in prisons. The law establishes a fund specifically dedicated to addressing the needs of such women, including providing for their welfare, rehabilitation, legal aid, and other forms of support.
Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act 2020
The Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act 2020 addresses issues related to child abduction and missing children, establishing mechanisms for rapid response and recovery efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of abducted or missing children.
Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016
PECA is a legislation aimed at addressing and preventing electronic crimes. This Act was enacted to combat various forms of cybercrime, including unauthorized access to computer systems, electronic fraud, cyber bullying, and online harassment. The PECA provides legal mechanisms for the investigation and prosecution of offenses related to electronic and internet-based activities, while also safeguarding the rights and privacy of individuals.
The Dowry and Bridal Gift (Restriction) Act, 1976
This law was enacted to provide for restriction on dowry and bridal gifts and for matters connected with it.
Hindu Women Rights to Property Act 1937
This law was enacted to amend the laws governing Hindu women rights to property in Pakistan.
Guardian and Wards Act 1870
Deals with the appointment and regulation of guardians for minors (persons below the age of majority) and their property. It outlines the procedures for appointing guardians, their powers, duties, and responsibilities towards the minor. It also aims to ensure the welfare and best interests of minors who are unable to take care of themselves or manage their affairs independently.
Aims to provide equal rights to transgender people and to safeguard their rights through legal recognition. This includes enabling transgender people to obtain identification documentation and change their gender in the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA). It also prohibits the harassment of and discrimination against transgender people at home, in public spaces, in education, and in social settings.
Provincial Policies
National Policies
Ratified by Pakistan on March 12, 1996. CEDAW is often described as an international bill of rights for women.
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
Pakistan endorsed this declaration at the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995. It outlines strategic objectives and actions for achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Pakistan ratified this protocol on March 7, 2012. The protocol allows individuals to bring complaints of violations of women’s rights directly to the CEDAW Committee after exhausting national remedies.
Pakistan is a signatory to the UDHR, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. While not a legally binding treaty, the UDHR outlines fundamental human rights principles, including equality and non-discrimination, which are relevant to women’s rights.
Pakistan ratified the ICCPR on April 23, 2010. This covenant protects civil and political rights, including the right to life, freedom of speech, and freedom from discrimination, which are essential for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Pakistan ratified the ICESCR on April 23, 2010. This covenant recognizes the right to work, the right to education, and the right to an adequate standard of living, which are important for advancing women’s economic and social rights.
While not specifically focused on women, CRC includes provisions related to girls’ rights and gender equality. Pakistan ratified the CRC on November 12, 1990.
Pakistan ratified the CRPD on July 5, 2011. The CRPD aims to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities. This includes women and girls with disabilities, addressing issues of discrimination, accessibility, and participation in society.