The draft was also slammed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), which condemned its recommendations as “ridiculous” and called for the council of “zealots” to be disbanded.
“It is difficult to comprehend why anyone in his right mind would think that any further encouragement or justification is needed to invite violence upon women in Pakistan,” the HRCP stated.
Online in Pakistan, the bill was met with derision.
“This body should be dissolved, preferably in acid,” wrote one Twitter user, as others expressed bafflement and anger.
Women in Pakistan have fought for their rights for decades, in a country where so-called honour killings and acid attacks remain commonplace.
But the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Bill redefines “violence” to include “any offence committed against a woman” including things like domestic or emotional abuse, stalking or cybercrimes.