A Senate subcommittee has approved a significant bill proposing stricter punishments for rape, including a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison, along with a fine of Rs1 million or the death penalty. The new legislation aims to establish harsher deterrents against sexual violence in Pakistan, reflecting growing concerns over the rising number of such cases.
The Senate Standing Committee on Interior’s subcommittee, led by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, reviewed Senator Mohsin Aziz’s amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) during a meeting at Parliament House on Tuesday. Senator Aziz proposed that convicted rapists should serve life sentences, effectively remaining in prison until their death.
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Despite some opposition, particularly from the Islamabad Capital Territory and Sindh government—who labeled the proposed punishments as “absurd”—Chairperson Zehri stood firm in her support for the amendments. She stressed the importance of making an example of individuals guilty of heinous crimes, noting that genuine criminals often go unpunished, while others are targeted by corrupt officers for financial reasons.
During the session, the Special Secretary for the Interior briefed the committee, explaining that while the death penalty is already an option for rape under existing laws, its implementation is limited due to international obligations and agreements, such as those linked to Pakistan’s GSP status. However, the new bill seeks to push for stricter enforcement of existing penalties while expanding the legal framework to ensure that perpetrators face severe consequences.
The proposed amendments are part of a broader effort to combat sexual violence and restore public confidence in the justice system. The bill will now move forward for further review and potential approval by the full Senate.
