Pakistan's Cabinet Approves Chemical Castration Of Rapists

In order to combat rising cases of sexual attacks on women and children in Pakistan, the Cabinet there approved two anti-rape ordinances which called for the chemical castration of rapists with the consent of the convict and setting up of special courts for rape trials, according to a media report on Friday.

According to Hindustan Times, a meeting of the Cabinet committee on legislative cases chaired by federal Law Minister Farogh Naseem on Thursday approved the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Ordinance 2020 and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance 2020. Dawn News reported that the ordinances have already been approved in-principle by the federal Cabinet on Tuesday.

As per the report, the concept of chemical castration for first or repeated offenders has been introduced mainly as a form of rehabilitation, and subject to consent of the convict.

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The ordinances also provide for setting up of special courts to conduct trial in rape cases. Special prosecutors for the special courts will also be appointed. Anti-rape crisis cells headed by a commissioner or deputy commissioner will be set up to ensure prompt registration of an FIR, medical examination and forensic analysis. It bars the cross-examination of a rape survivor by the accused. Only judge and the accused’s lawyers will be able to cross-examine the survivor.

Pakistan's Law Minister Naseem's Statements

Pakistan's law minister Naseem said under the international law, it is mandatory to take consent of the convict before castrating him. If chemical castration is ordered without taking consent, the convict might challenge this before a court of law.

If a convict does not agree to castration, he would be dealt with in accordance with the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Under this the court might award him death sentence, life imprisonment or 25-year jail term. However, it is up to the court to decide the punishment. The judge may order chemical castration or the punishment under the PPC. Castration can be for a limited period or lifetime.

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The law also includes in-camera trials, witness protection for the victim and witnesses, use of modern devices during investigation and trial, legal assistance to the victims and appointment of independent support advisers for the victims. It prohibits the “two-finger” test performed on rape survivors. The test is termed as invasive, disrespectful and a gross violation of a woman’s right to dignity and privacy on many levels.

Shivangi Thapa is an intern with SheThePeople.Tv