From 2012 to 2017, the Government of Punjab introduced and implemented several significant measures to counter gender-based discrimination, violence against women, and economic and social empowerment of women. Positive steps have also been taken to encourage and promote women’s participation in the political process and the workforce, while education has remained a key priority for the Government of Punjab
In Punjab, women's rights are protected by the Constitution, and other legislative measures taken by the Provincial Assembly of Punjab.
Constitution of Pakistan
National Laws for the Protection of Women
The national legal framework contains the following recent pro-women laws and amendments:
- The Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act, 2011
- Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act, 2011
- Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offense of Rape) Act 2016
- Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences in the name or pretext of Honour) Act, 2016
- Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016
- Hindu Marriage Act, 2017
Recent Policy Initiatives For Women Empowerment in Punjab
- Punjab Women Empowerment Package 2012 (PWEP)
- Punjab Women Empowerment Initiatives 2014 (PWEI)
- Punjab Women Empowerment Package 2016 (PWEP)
- Punjab Women Development Policy, 2018
Laws for the Protection of Women in Punjab
- Punjab Women Protection Authority Ordinance, 2017
- Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act, 2016
- Punjab Muslim Family Laws (Amendment) Act, 2015
- Punjab Family Courts (Amendment) Act, 2015
- Punjab Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act, 2015
- Punjab Partition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Act, 2015
- The Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Act 2015
- Punjab Fair Representation of Women Act, 2014
- The Punjab Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Act, 2012
Recent Child Labour Laws
- Punjab Restriction on Employment of Children Act, 2016
- Punjab Prohibition of Child Labour at Brick Kilns Act, 2016
National & International Commitments
The Government of Pakistan has undertaken commitments at various national and international forums to guarantee women's rights: