Standing committee approves chemical castration of sexual abusers

National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Law and Justice has approved chemical castration, which falls in the Criminal Law bill.

As per the Criminal Law Bill 2020, if the accused commits the crime again after serving a life sentence, he will be sentenced to chemical castration.

Under this law, special court, anti-rape crises cell, and special committee would be set up to hear rape cases and registered complaints.

Geo news reported that under the Criminal Amendment Bill 2021, a rapist who commits the crime again will be chemically castrated.

In November 2020, the federal cabinet had approved a law that proposed chemical castration as a punishment for convicted rapists.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had previously said the government will not tolerate any lax attitude in the implementation of anti-rape laws and added that the safety of all citizens was the utmost priority of the government.

The premier said the legislation will be clear and transparent with strict enforcement. He said the rape survivors will be able to register complaints without fear, adding that the government will protect their identity.

Regarding chemical castration, Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Nafisa Shah said it is inhuman under the law. The law for awarding death punishment and life imprisonment to rapists already exist, she added.