Prime Minister Imran Khan has granted assent to a bill that mandates the castration of rapists and pedophiles.
Drafted by the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Anti-Rape (Investigation & Trial) Ordinance 2020 was tabled in a cabinet meeting earlier today.
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During the session, PM Imran said the bill aims to deal holistically with the crime of rape and child abuse in the country.
While underscoring the gravity of the issue, PM added that the bill will be signed into law without any delay as it is the responsibility of the state to ensure a safe environment for its women and children.
According to sources, federal ministers Faisal Vawda, Azam Swati, and Noor ul Haq Qadri recommended to include a clause of public hangings for rapists in the ordinance. While the premier shelved the idea, he assured that chemical castration of rapists will be a starting point to tackle the crime of rape and child abuse.
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Besides, the Anti-Rape Ordinance calls for special policing along with increasing women’s role in the department, fast-tracking investigation of rape cases, protection of witnesses and victims, setting up a central data bank of rapists and pedophiles.
In September, PM Imran Khan had pledged to mete out harsh punishments to rapists and pedophiles following the Gujarpura motorway gang-rape case that caused a countrywide uproar.
