ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (APP): The National Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed ‘The Prevention of Domestic Violence Bill, 2008’ to provide protection to the women, children and families vulnerable to domestic violence. cPakistan People Party MNA Yasmeen Rehman moved the bill as reported by the concerned standing committee to make provisions for the protection of women, children and family, stressing to institutionalize measures which prevent and protect women and children from domestic violence.

Under the bill, the protection committees comprising police officers, have been suggested at tehsil level to assists the aggrieved person or relocate her if necessary for protection.

The bill says the court, at any stage of hearing, may direct the accused to pay the monetary relief to meet the expenses incurred and losses suffered by the aggrieved person including loss of earning, medical expenses and maintenance of aggrieved person and her children.

According to the bill, the domestic violence is an offence and if a person repeats this act of domestic violence, he may face one year imprisonment and fine of Rs 200,000.

The bill was passed by the House along with some amendments introduced by the MQM MNA SA Iqbal Qadri.

As per legislation, the protection committees would not only create awareness among females for their rights but it would also provide legal protection, medical aid and shifting of the aggrieved person to a safer location.

According to the law, if a woman registers a fake case against a person or is proved wrong by court, the women would have to face six month imprisonment and fine of Rs 50,000.

Later, Yasmeen Rehman moved the bill that was unanimously passed by the Lower House of the Parliament.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs congratulated the House as well as the nation on this moment of pride when the House has passed a bill to protect the women, children and other vulnerable persons from domestic violence.

He said the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, President Asif Ali Zardari and particularly the caucus of women parliamentarians took  extreme interest in passage of the bill, adding that such progressive legislation is need of the hour to ensure protection of women and  provision of their fundamental rights.