NA toughens law against child abuse
The National Assembly on Tuesday gave the nod to the Anti-Rape (Amendment) Bill 2026, which declares sexual assault, physical abuse and child exploitation non-bailable offences.
Under the provisions of the anti-rape amendment, law enforcement agencies must ensure child victims undergo medical examination by a certified forensic expert within 24 hours.
The law also mandates strict safeguards to protect victims' dignity, privacy and security during the process. Forensic evidence collected during examinations will form part of the investigation.
The amendment further stipulates that courts shall not grant bail in such cases except under extraordinary circumstances, where the child's best interest must be carefully considered.
Before granting bail, courts must assess potential risks to the victim, including threats or harm from the accused.
A bill seeking to significantly enhance penalties for the sale, display and distribution of obscene material was also introduced in the NA, marking a major legislative push to tighten existing laws under the Pakistan Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The proposed legislation, already passed by the Senate, aims to amend Sections 292, 293, and 294, along with Schedule II, to impose stricter punishments for offences involving obscene books, drawings, paintings, images, sculptures, and other materials.
Lawmakers said the move is intended to curb the growing circulation and public display of such content.
Under the proposed amendments, the punishment for exhibiting or selling obscene material would increase from the existing three months to up to two years imprisonment.
In addition to jail time, offenders could face fines of up to Rs200,000. The bill also proposes a two-year prison term for individuals involved in the import, export or transportation of obscene items for commercial purposes.
The legislation further expands the scope of penalties by criminalising advertisements related to the procurement of obscene material. Those found guilty of advertising such content could face up to two years in prison along with a fine of Rs200,000. Special emphasis has been placed on protecting minors.
The bill proposes that selling, renting, distributing or showing obscene material to individuals under the age of 20 would carry a punishment of up to two years' imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000.
Lawmakers described this provision as a necessary safeguard against exposing young people to inappropriate content.
In addition, the bill introduces penalties for public behaviour deemed obscene. Engaging in obscene acts, singing obscene songs, or using explicit language in public places could result in up to six months' imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000.
Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar informed the assembly about ongoing efforts to address the issue of out-of-school children, estimated at around 26 million nationwide.
She highlighted initiatives such as the "No Child Left Behind" campaign, which includes door-to-door surveys, accelerated learning programmes and technical education pathways aimed at improving enrollment and retention.
She said the government is also working with institutions such as the National Commission for Human Development to expand access to education, including in underserved and remote areas.
Qamar informed the house that the government was encouraging seminaries across the country, including in Balochistan, to register with the Directorate General of Religious Education (DGRE) to facilitate them through modern educational and technical support programmes.
Responding to a calling attention notice moved by MNA Naeema Kishwer Khan regarding issues faced by madrassas in Balochistan, the minister said the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training had established the DGRE to assist registered seminaries.
This assistance includes providing teachers on stipend, technical education opportunities, and access to contemporary education alongside religious instruction, she said.