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ISLAMABAD: In order to curb the growing incidence of sexual violence against women and children in the country, the federal cabinet today (Tuesday) has approved a draft law that aims to give strict punishments, including chemical castration, to sex offenders.
The decision was made during a federal cabinet meeting wherein the law ministry presented a draft of the anti-rape ordinance. The draft includes increasing women’s role in policing, fast-tracking rape cases and witness protection.
On the occasion, PM Imran stressed that this was a serious matter and there should be no delay in implementing the law in order to provide a safe environment to people. “We need to ensure a safe environment for our citizens,” he added.
The premier further said that the legislation would be clear and transparent with strict enforcement. “The rape survivors will be able to register complaints without fear and the government will protect their identity,” he asserted.
In the meeting, some ministers also demanded that the death penalty for rape be made a part of the law. Faisal Vawda, Azam Swati, and Noor-ul-Haq Qadri supported the execution.
PM Imran Khan said that the legal team has completed the work on the draft of the rape law ordinance. The prime minister opined that initially, we have to move towards the law of castration.
After the meeting, Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari tweeted, “The Cabinet approved in principle 2 critical Ordinances to deal holistically with the crime of rape & child abuse & to make the necessary amendments in the PPC: The Anti-Rape (Investigation & Trial) Ordinance 2020 & the Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2020”.
The Cabinet approved in principle 2 critical Ordinances to deal holistically with the crime of rape & child abuse & to make the necessary amendments in the PPC: The Anti-Rape (Investigation & Trial) Ordinance 2020 & the Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2020.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 24, 2020
Karachi Transformation Plan
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also agreed that the Karachi Transformation Plan (KPT) needs special attention because the citizens have a lot of expectations from the government’s Karachi Package.
Federal Information Technology Minister Amin-ul-Haq said that the Karachi Transformation Plan was moving at snail’s pace, therefore, it needs special attention from the government.
Sources say that in response to Amin-ul-Haq’s remarks, Prime Minister Imran Khan agreed that the plan should be accelerated and has convened a high-level meeting in Karachi on Thursday to discuss the plan.
Earlier in September, Centre had announced a three-year development plan for Karachi worth Rs1,100 billion on the directives of the prime minister to address the city’s major problems, including sewerage, solid waste management, and transportation.
