The Senate has passed a bill amending criminal laws to eliminate the death penalty for individuals who shelter those accused of kidnapping or publicly humiliating women.
The legislation, which received strong support in the upper house, replaces the death penalty with life imprisonment, confiscation of property, and fines for those found guilty of such offenses.
Under the new law, suspects involved in criminal assault or public exposure of women can be arrested without a warrant. These offenses will remain non-bailable and non-compoundable, ensuring that those accused cannot easily secure release or settle the matter privately.
During the debate, Senator Ali Zafar argued that the death penalty for forcibly disrobing a woman should be retained. At the same time, Senator Samina Mumtaz expressed concern that reducing the punishment could weaken protections for women and was being done to appease foreign critics.
Law Minister Senator Azam Nazir Tarar countered these concerns, stating, “It is a misconception that harsher punishments deter crime.
Despite having the death penalty for over a hundred offenses, crime rates continue to rise. In contrast, European countries without the death penalty have seen crime decrease.”
He also noted that, in some cases, false accusations are made over disputes, leading to severe sentences. According to Sharia law, he added, the death penalty should only apply to four specific crimes.
The bill now awaits further legislative steps before becoming law.