Islamabad: Pakistan’s president Dr Arif Alvi has signed a new anti-rape ordinance to ensure speedy trial of rape cases and harsher punishments for rapists.
The ordinance will create a national sex offenders register, protect the identity of victims and allow the chemical castration for repeat offenders. Prime Minister Imran Khan and his cabinet approved the law last month and Alvi signed it into law on Tuesday.
Alvi approved Anti-Rape Ordinance 2020, under which special courts will be set up across the country to expedite trials of sexual assault suspects on a priority basis. Special fast-track courts will complete the court proceedings of rape cases within four months.
The ordinance also suggests setting up of anti-rape crisis cells, which will be authorized to conduct a medico-legal examination of rape victims within six hours of the incident. Lack of sufficient medical evidence results in acquittals in many rape cases .
Sex offenders registry
The government will also set up a national sex offender registry with the help of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) under the new law.
In November, Pakistan’s federal cabinet approved two anti-rape laws, Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 and Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Ordinance 2020 that are aimed at awarding exemplary punishment to rapists, including chemical castration for repeat offenders, protection of victims and witnesses and prohibition of the two-finger test.
Under the new law, disclosing identities of victims would be prohibited and police and officials who show negligence in investigating the cases could also face jail term and fines.
Stricter punishment
The new legislation comes after the recent gang rape cases, including Lahore motorway and Kashmore woman and daughter rape incident, that shocked the nation and prompted protests all across the country.
PM Imran Khan pushed for harsher punishments for rapists following an increase in rape crimes and widespread public outrage. PM had announced that the government would bring a “stringent and holistic anti-rape ordinance” to close all loopholes.