Lawmakers in Pakistan approve new anti-rape legislation

Islamabad: Lawmakers in Pakistan approved on Wednesday new anti-rape legislation that would allow speedy convictions and severe sentences, including chemical castration, for rapists.

The bill is a response to a public outcry against a recent surge in incidents of rape of women and children in the country and growing demands for effectively stemming the crime.

The government will be required to establish special courts across Pakistan to expedite trials of rape suspects and decide cases of sexual abuse expeditiously, preferably within four months.

Under the bill, a nationwide register of sex



offenders will also be maintained with the help of the National Database and Registration Authority.

Those found guilty of gang rape will be sentenced to death or imprisoned for the rest of their lives, and repeat offenders could be subjected to chemical castration.

Critics say fewer than 4 per cent of sexual assault or rape cases in Pakistan result in a conviction.

The circumstances often discourage women from seeking justice for fear of being shamed or persecuted by police or even their own relatives in the largely conservative Pakistani society.