Senate Committee Advances Death Penalty for Acid Attack Offenders

In a decisive move to bolster legal protections for vulnerable populations, the Senate Standing Committee on Interior has passed a significant bill proposing the death penalty for individuals convicted of acid attacks. This decision, made on Monday under the chairmanship of Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman, comes amidst growing concerns about the severity of such crimes in Pakistan.

The legislative action was prompted in part by a recent acid attack incident involving a doctor in Quetta, highlighting the urgent need for stricter penalties. The proposed amendment to Section 336B of the Pakistan Penal Code aims to impose either the death penalty or life imprisonment, alongside hefty fines, in an effort to deter these brutal acts that leave victims with lifelong scars.

Addressing Domestic Worker Abuse

In addition to acid attack legislation, the committee unanimously passed another important bill targeting the abuse of domestic workers. The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, introduced by Senator Sarmad Ali, recognizes the vulnerability of these workers, who often face severe mistreatment. The new provisions will penalize various forms of abuse, including physical violence and wage theft, with potential sentences of up to 10 years and substantial fines.

Enhancing Public Safety Regulations

The Senate committee also took steps to enhance public safety by criminalizing the unauthorized transfer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) into smaller cylinders. This amendment increases penalties for such practices, which have become alarmingly common in residential areas, thereby posing a serious risk to public safety. The revised penalties include longer imprisonment terms and higher fines, signaling a commitment to hold offenders accountable for reckless behavior.

Source: www.dawn.com