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Senate Bill Seeks End to Death Penalty for Exposing Women in Public
A bill in Pakistan’s Senate proposes abolishing the death penalty for criminal assault or exposing women in public—replacing it with life imprisonment, fines, and property seizure. Offense to remain non-bailable and non-paroleable.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-19
Senate Bill Seeks End to Death Penalty for Exposing Women in Public

Islamabad – A bill to amend Pakistan’s criminal laws has been introduced in the Senate, proposing significant changes to penalties for criminal assault or public exposure of women, according to official sources.

The most notable element of the proposed legislation is the abolition of the death penalty in such cases. Instead, it recommends life imprisonment, property confiscation, and heavy fines for offenders found guilty of exposing or criminally assaulting a woman in public.

Key Provisions of the Bill

According to the text of the bill:

·       The crime of criminal assault or exposing a woman in public will remain non-bailable.

·       The accused can be arrested without a warrant.

·       The offense will be classified as non-paroleable, meaning convicts will not be eligible for parole.

·       In place of capital punishment, life imprisonment, property seizure, and fines will be imposed.

The proposed amendment reflects an effort to bring Pakistan’s criminal justice framework more in line with international human rights standards, where life sentences are often favored over capital punishment, even in severe cases.

Reactions and Implications

Human rights advocates have welcomed the bill as a step toward reforming punitive justice, emphasizing that while justice must be served for crimes against women, abolishing the death penalty reflects a more rehabilitative and constitutional approach.

However, some conservative voices and victims’ rights groups have criticized the bill, arguing that removing the death penalty might weaken deterrence in serious gender-based crimes.

Legal experts note that the non-bailable and non-paroleable status of the offense keeps the punishment strict and uncompromising, sending a strong message against such acts while aligning with evolving legal standards.

If passed, the amendment will significantly alter how the justice system treats cases involving gender-based violence and public humiliation of women, two issues that have drawn national and international concern in recent years.

The bill is now under review by the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice for further discussion before being moved to the National Assembly for approval.
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