Public Hanging
ISLAMABAD: The Senate rejected a bill advocating public execution for rape convicts with a majority vote on Monday, as lawmakers deemed it a “counter-effective measure in deterring sexual crimes.” The move to amend the Pakistan Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure through the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023 was opposed by a 24:14 vote in the upper house of parliament.
Introduced by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, the bill had support from Senators Mehr Taj Roghani, Kamran Murtaza, Maulana Faiz Muhammad, Hafiz Abdul Kareem, Kamal Ali Agha, Abdul Qadir, and others. However, senators opposing the bill called for enhanced prosecutions, improved investigations, and a better jail environment to prevent future heinous crimes.
Defending his proposal, Senator Mushtaq argued that public executions would act as a deterrent, aiming to halt the brutality prevalent in such crimes. He highlighted the need to address the basic issue and emphasized the deterrence value of public executions.
JUI-F’s Faiz Muhammad echoed Mushtaq’s sentiments, asserting that culprits committing heinous crimes like rape should face public hanging. Meanwhile, PPP’s Senator Sherry Rehman strongly opposed the bill, deeming it counterproductive in deterring sexual crimes. She urged a focus on improved prosecutions and investigations, emphasizing the importance of addressing anger towards violence through comprehensive measures.
Senator Sadia Abbasi of PML-N expressed opposition, stating that the bill could contribute to increased societal violence. Senator Ishaq Dar also voiced disapproval, emphasizing the existence of the death penalty in the law and deeming the bill inappropriate, asserting that criminals should not be publicly executed.
The rejection of the bill reflects differing perspectives on the effectiveness and ethical considerations of public executions as a deterrent for sexual crimes. The debate underscores the complex nature of legislative measures in addressing such serious issues within society.
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