First domestic violence case under KP law sent to trial in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: An additional district and sessions court in Peshawar has sent to trial what has been described as the first case of its kind in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2021.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Imranullah Khan on Thursday framed charges against a woman’s husband and several of his family members in the case. The accused include the husband, father-in-law, mother-in-law and sister-in-law.

The petition was filed by a woman identified only as 'A' for legal reasons. She accused her husband and in-laws of repeatedly subjecting her to physical abuse and mental torture.

During the hearing, the woman’s lawyer, Advocate Hafiz Zain Rashid, told the court that his client was married in April 2025. He said that shortly after the marriage, she began facing ongoing threats, harassment and serious physical violence from her husband and other family members over dowry and household issues.

According to the counsel, the woman approached the court seeking protection as well as legal proceedings against the accused under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2021.

Charges framed under 2021 law

The case has been taken up under the provincial domestic violence law enacted in 2021. Under the law, the offence carries a punishment of imprisonment ranging from one year to five years, along with a fine.

The development marks a significant procedural step in the case, with the court formally framing charges against the accused after earlier proceedings in the matter.

At a previous hearing, the court had directed University Town Police to complete an inquiry into the allegations and submit its report. That inquiry related to the case against the woman’s husband and his family members named in the petition.

The matter now proceeds as a trial under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2021, following the court’s decision to frame charges.

The petition centres on allegations that the complainant was subjected to repeated violence and psychological abuse within her marital home. Her lawyer told the court that the abuse began soon after her marriage and continued in connection with dowry-related and domestic disputes.

The court proceedings on Thursday focused on the formal framing of charges against the accused persons, moving the case into the trial stage under the law.