Severe Punishments Proposed Against Biological Weapons in Pakistan

The National Assembly is set to vote on a bill aimed at outlawing the production, storage, and use of biological and toxin weapons in compliance with the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will present the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (Implementation) Bill, 2024 for approval in the lower house today.

The proposed legislation enforces a nationwide ban on biological weapons. Clause 1(a) specifies that any individual involved in the design, production, transportation, or trade of such weapons for illegal purposes will face imprisonment ranging from 10 to 25 years and a fine of up to Rs. 10 million.

Additionally, all related materials, equipment, technologies, and properties will be seized by the federal government.

Clause 1(b) expands penalties to those acquiring or maintaining materials or equipment for producing biological weapons or providing financial, technical, or logistical support. Offenders could face up to 25 years in prison and a Rs10 million fine, with all associated assets confiscated.

The bill’s Clause 4 explicitly prohibits the use or attempted use of biological weapons, both within Pakistan and abroad. This move aligns Pakistan with international obligations to curb the proliferation of biological weapons and strengthen global security efforts.