The Senate passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on Friday. This law removes the death penalty for publicly humiliating women, including disrobing. Instead, offenders may face up to 25 years in prison. The bill also removes the death penalty for people who help hijackers. Although some opposition senators disagreed, most supported the change. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said harsh punishments do not stop crimes.
Besides this bill, the Senate approved changes to the Extradition Act, 1972, and the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951. The extradition changes remove the need for cabinet approval twice during the process. This will speed up how the government handles extraditions. The citizenship amendment helps overseas Pakistanis reclaim citizenship if they gave it up to live abroad.
Furthermore, the Senate passed reforms for the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education. The new rules will allow the board to make faster decisions and work with international partners. The board will also have a more inclusive structure, with better representation from provinces. This reform aims to improve education standards across the country.
During the session, Senator Humayun Mohmand raised concerns about Pakistani girls sent to Serbia by private agencies. He said some were forced into prostitution. The issue was passed to the relevant committee for further action. Meanwhile, Senator Abdul Shakoor highlighted corruption in private medical colleges, drawing attention to the need for oversight.
Senate made important legal changes to protect women and improve government processes. These steps show a move towards better law enforcement and education. However, challenges like human trafficking and corruption still need strong action. The session ended with plans to continue work on these issues next week.