On the 24th of November, a law allowing for the castration of convicted rapists was approved, in principle, by Prime Minister Imran Khan. The law was presented in a federal cabinet meeting by the law ministry, it was part of a proposed anti-rape ordinance. Other laws in the draft include increased role of women in policing, fast tracking rape cases and witness protection.
Sources have stated that some federal ministers wanting harsh punishment for rapists called for publicly hanging them, but the Prime Minister recommended castration instead.
The federal cabinet has approved this law in principle. PTI senator Faisal Javed Khan tweeted that the law will be presented in parliament soon.
بچوں اور خواتین سے زیادتی کے بڑھتے واقعات – زیادتی کا نشانہ بنانے والے وحشی درندوں کے لیے سخت سے سخت سزائیں مقرر کی جائیں گی – castration کی طرف جانا ہوگا – ہماری حکومت اس پہ جلد قانون سازی کرے گی – قانون سازی کے ساتھ ساتھ امپلیمنٹیشن اور conviction کو یقینی بنایا جائے گا –
— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) September 14, 2020
Prime Minister Imran Khan said, “We need to ensure a safe environment for our citizens.” He also stated that no delay will be tolerated in this matter. He also said that rape victims will be able to register their complaints without fear as the government will protect their identity.