Court Declares 2022 Suicide Law Amendments Un-Islamic
The Federal Shariat Court has ruled that suicide and attempted suicide will once again be treated as criminal offenses under Pakistani law. The court declared the government’s 2022 amendments un-Islamic and ordered the restoration of previous legal provisions.
The reserved judgment was announced by a three-member bench led by Chief Justice Iqbal Hameedur Rehman. The bench also included Justice Muhammad Anwar Iqbal and Justice Amir Khan.
The court accepted petitions challenging the 2022 legislation. It nullified the amendments that had removed criminal penalties for attempted suicide.
Previous Legal Provision Officially Restored
Under the 2022 legal changes, attempted suicide had been removed from the list of criminal offenses. The amendment had eliminated the relevant section from the Pakistan Penal Code.
However, the Federal Shariat Court has now restored that deleted provision. The ruling means attempted suicide can once again be treated as a punishable offense under the law.
The decision reverses a major legal reform introduced by the government in 2022. Legal experts say the ruling could have significant implications for criminal justice and mental health policies in the country.
Verdict Expected to Spark Legal and Public Debate
The judgment is likely to trigger nationwide debate among legal experts, rights groups, and healthcare professionals. Critics of criminalization argue that suicide attempts should be addressed through mental health support instead of legal punishment.
Supporters of the ruling say the court’s decision aligns with Islamic legal principles and constitutional requirements. The verdict now restores the earlier legal framework unless further legislative or judicial action is taken.
The ruling is expected to influence future discussions on mental health laws and criminal justice reforms in Pakistan.
