Senate to form sub-committee to amend rape laws

Senate Standing Committee on Interior has decided to form a subcommittee to explore amendments to rape laws, aiming for stricter penalties.

The proposal came during a committee session chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, who indicated that the subcommittee would include representatives from the interior, law, and human rights ministries. The committee will deliver a report within ten days.

Senator Mohsin Aziz advocated for harsher punishments for rape, calling for a minimum 25-year sentence and suggesting life imprisonment in severe cases.

Senator Samina Zehri echoed the need for legal updates, criticising Pakistan’s reliance on outdated, 50-year-old laws.

Special Secretary of Law pointed out that capital punishment already exists for offenders who assault children, mentally disabled persons, or individuals with disabilities.

Anti-terror amendments discussed, forensic bill passed

The committee also debated anti-terrorism amendments proposed by Senator Palwasha Khan, with discussions on recent security incidents affecting foreign nationals.

Interior Secretary clarified that recent attacks in Karachi were outside airport limits and reassured members of ASF's regulatory scope within airports.

Further, the Senate approved the National Forensic Agency Bill 2024, aiming to establish a federal-level forensic agency.

Project Director for the agency noted its potential role in cross-provincial and international crime investigations, underscoring the need for a central forensic body. Senator Shahadat Awan praised the bill, urging annual reporting to Parliament as well as the Prime Minister.

The meeting also included a briefing by Islamabad's Inspector General (IG) on crime rates, which led Senator Palwasha Khan to express concerns about armed guards employed by private housing societies.