The Ministry of Law & Justice has removed Section 354 from the Anti-Rape (Investigation & Trial) Act, 2021, on the recommendation of the Special Committee.
Section 354 of the Pakistan Penal Code, earlier a scheduled offence under the Act, deals with assault with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman.
“This offence, traditionally tried by a magisterial court, and applied to all cases of assault where women are involved, often does not constitute a high threshold sexual violence crime and therefore is removed from the scheduled offences of the Anti-Rape (Investigation & Trial) Act, 2021,” according to the Press Information Department.
Section 354 constituted almost 31 percent cases in Special Courts constituted to deal with rape cases, diverting resources from investigating and prosecuting more serious sexual offences.
This policy tweak will help in improving the justice system in dealing with cases of rape and sexual violence, the press release added.
Hafizabad rape case: Two more suspects killed in encounter
Earlier, two more suspects involved in the horrific gang-rape of a woman in front of her husband were killed in separate police encounters in Hafizabad, Punjab, police said on Sunday.
The incident, which occurred a month ago, involved a couple returning home on a motorcycle after visiting relatives.
They were intercepted by armed men in a deserted area, where the woman was abducted and gang-raped near a graveyard while her husband was held at gunpoint. The suspects filmed the assault and later uploaded the video to social media, sparking outrage across the country.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.