First case: Women lodges complaint against her husband under Women Protection Act

A woman filed a complaint in Lahore on Monday night against her husband under the Women Protection Act.

Basra Bibi, a resident of Green Town Block No 5,  filed a report of domestic violence in the Green Town Police Station and said that her husband Tayyab was a drug-addict and tortured her when she requested for home expenses.

Read more: Women Protection Bill becomes law in Punjab

The complaint lodged by the woman had been received by the police, Superintendent of Police (SP) Faisal Mukhtar said.  The incident happened a week after the Women Protection Bill was signed by Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana. The bill was passed by the provincial assembly to protect the rights of women.

The couple married five years ago and had a four-year-old son. Basra Bibi said that she had got tired of her husband’s violent behaviour. The police said that the case will be treated as per the law. The case was registered under the Pakistan Penal Code and the reported suspect was arrested.

Also read: Women protection bill prepared with consultation of civil society, scholars

The Women Protection Law will criminalise any act of violence against women. This bill was passed to establish an abuse-free environment for women and provide shelter and security.

There are several cases of rape, kidnappings, acid attacks and honour killings that take place in Pakistan every year. Around 5,800 cases were reported in 2013, regarding violence against women in Punjab.