The Lahore High Court (LHC) has reduced a woman’s life imprisonment sentence to 10 years after reviewing her conviction for killing her two young children.
Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq announced the decision on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, while partially accepting the appeal filed by Shagufta Parveen.
The court maintained her murder conviction but revised the punishment under Pakistan’s criminal law.
Lahore High Court Changes Murder Sentence
The court converted the conviction from Section 302(b) to Section 302(c) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The judgment explained that a mother cannot receive the specific retaliatory punishment known as Qisas for killing her own children.
However, the court clarified that this legal provision does not remove criminal responsibility for murder.
The victims were identified as three-year-old Abdul Hadi and nine-month-old Abdul Raheem.
Medical Evidence Supports Murder Conviction
The court examined DNA findings, medical reports, and the woman’s confession.
According to the judgment, the evidence established her involvement in both killings.
The court also considered her severe mental distress resulting from domestic disputes.
However, Justice Rafiq emphasized that psychological stress does not automatically establish legal insanity or justify acquittal.
Court Upholds Compensation and Additional Sentence
The judgment maintained compensation of Rs200,000 for the heirs of each child.
The court also upheld a six-month sentence for attempted suicide.
Additionally, the judge recommended seeking guidance from the Council of Islamic Ideology regarding relevant legal and religious principles.
The ruling highlights important questions about criminal responsibility, sentencing discretion, and the interpretation of murder laws in Pakistan.
