Karachi, Pakistan (HRNW)- An Additional District and Sessions Judge (Central) has acquitted a woman’s husband and two brothers-in-law in a domestic violence-related case, while strongly criticizing the shortcomings of Pakistani law in dealing with abuse that leads to suicide.
The case involved 32-year-old Saba Anjum, who died by suicide after only seven months of marriage, according to police records. She was found hanging from a ceiling fan, and the room was locked from the inside, leading the court to conclude that the incident was a case of suicide.
The accused included her husband Sheeraz and his brothers Faraz and Ayaz, against whom a case had been registered at Khawaja Ajmer Nagri Police Station. The court ruled that while the husband was morally responsible, Pakistani law does not currently allow for legal punishment in such circumstances.
In its detailed judgment, the court acknowledged that Saba Anjum had mentioned domestic violence in a note written before her death and observed that the husband failed to protect his wife from abuse at her in-laws’ home. However, due to the absence of direct evidence against the brothers-in-law, they were acquitted.
The court stated that Pakistani law is ineffective in punishing those who instigate or psychologically compel a person to commit suicide, resulting in the acquittal of the accused. The judgment made reference to Indian Penal Code Sections 306 and 498-A, noting that such provisions allow stronger legal action in cases of cruelty and abetment of suicide.
The judge further remarked that the Sindh Domestic Violence Act is insufficient, with weak penalties that fail to deter abuse or provide meaningful protection to women. The court observed:
“Many women endure violence; some survive, while others lose their lives. Due to flaws in the law, justice often remains out of reach.”
During the trial, Prosecutor Hina Naz argued that the husband’s conduct was negligent, irresponsible, and lacking protective intent, but conceded that existing legal provisions were inadequate to secure a conviction.
HRNW notes that this verdict underscores a systemic failure to safeguard women’s rights, highlighting the urgent need for legal reforms, stronger domestic violence laws, and accountability mechanisms to prevent such tragedies.
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