The National Assembly has approved the Anti-Rape (Amendment) Bill 2026, declaring sexual assault, physical abuse, and child exploitation as non-bailable offenses.
Under the new amendment, law enforcement agencies will be required to ensure that child victims undergo a medical examination by a certified forensic expert within 24 hours.
The law also introduces strict safeguards to protect the dignity, privacy, and security of victims during the examination process. Any forensic evidence collected will become part of the official investigation.
The amendment further states that courts cannot grant bail in such cases except under extraordinary circumstances. Even then, the court must carefully consider the best interests of the child before making a decision.
Before granting bail, courts will also be required to assess possible risks to the victim, including threats, intimidation, or harm from the accused.
Bill Seeking Tougher Penalties for Obscene Material Also Introduced
Separately, a bill aimed at significantly increasing penalties for the sale, display, and distribution of obscene material was also introduced in the National Assembly.
The legislation, which has already been passed by the Senate, seeks to amend Sections 292, 293, and 294 of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with Schedule II of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The proposed changes would impose stricter punishments for offenses involving obscene books, drawings, paintings, images, sculptures, and other materials.
Lawmakers said the bill is intended to curb the increasing circulation and public display of such content.
Under the proposed amendments, the punishment for exhibiting or selling obscene material would increase from the current three months to up to two years in prison. Offenders may also face fines of up to Rs. 200,000.
The bill also proposes a two-year jail term for individuals involved in the import, export, or transportation of obscene items for commercial purposes.
In addition, advertisements related to the procurement of obscene material would also be criminalized. Those found guilty could face up to two years in prison and a fine of Rs. 200,000.
Special Protection for Minors
The proposed legislation places special emphasis on protecting minors.
Selling, renting, distributing, or showing obscene material to individuals under the age of 20 would carry a punishment of up to two years in prison and a fine of Rs. 100,000.
Lawmakers described the provision as a necessary step to prevent young people from being exposed to inappropriate content.
The bill also introduces penalties for obscene public behavior. Engaging in obscene acts, singing obscene songs, or using explicit language in public places could lead to up to six months in prison and a fine of Rs. 100,000.
