NA tightens rape, child abuse laws

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Tuesday approved the Anti-Rape (Amendment) Bill 2026, under which sexual assault, physical abuse and child exploitation have been declared non-bailable offences.

Under the amendment, law enforcement agencies will be required to ensure that child victims are medically examined by a certified forensic expert within 24 hours. The law also sets out safeguards aimed at protecting the dignity, privacy and security of victims during the examination process, while forensic evidence collected during these examinations will become part of the investigation.

The amendment further states that courts will not grant bail in such cases except in extraordinary circumstances, and even then the child’s best interest must be carefully weighed. Before allowing bail, courts will also have to consider possible risks to the victim, including threats or harm from the accused.

Bill introduced to raise penalties for obscene material

The assembly was also presented with a bill seeking to substantially increase punishments related to the sale, display and distribution of obscene material. The proposed legislation, which has already been passed by the Senate, seeks amendments to Sections 292, 293 and 294 of the Pakistan Penal Code, as well as Schedule II of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

According to the proposed changes, the punishment for displaying or selling obscene material would be raised from the current three months to as much as two years in prison. Offenders could also be fined up to Rs200,000.

The bill also proposes up to two years’ imprisonment for those involved in the import, export or transportation of obscene items for commercial purposes. It further broadens the law by making advertisements for the procurement of obscene material a punishable offence. Those convicted under this provision could face up to two years in prison and a fine of Rs200,000.

A separate provision focuses on minors. The bill proposes that anyone found selling, renting, distributing or showing obscene material to persons under the age of 20 could be sentenced to up to two years in prison and fined Rs100,000.

It also introduces penalties for conduct deemed obscene in public places. Under the proposal, engaging in obscene acts, singing obscene songs or using explicit language in public could lead to up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs100,000.

Government outlines education measures

Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar informed the house that the government was continuing efforts to address the issue of out-of-school children, which she said stood at around 26 million across the country.

She said initiatives under the No Child Left Behind campaign included door-to-door surveys, accelerated learning programmes and technical education pathways designed to improve enrolment and retention. Qamar also told the assembly that the government was working with institutions including the National Commission for Human Development to widen access to education, including in underserved and remote areas.

Responding to a calling attention notice moved by MNA Naeema Kishwer Khan on issues faced by madrassas in Balochistan, Qamar said the government was encouraging seminaries nationwide, including in Balochistan, to register with the Directorate General of Religious Education (DGRE).

She said the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training had established the DGRE to support registered seminaries. According to the minister, this support includes teachers on stipend, technical education opportunities and access to contemporary education alongside religious instruction.