ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Monday approved a bill amending the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) to introduce jail terms and fines for offences related to witchcraft and sorcery. Under the new Section 297A, individuals found practicing, promoting, or advertising black magic, sorcery, or witchcraft may face imprisonment ranging from six months to seven years and fines of up to Rs1 million.
The legislation clarifies that the new provisions do not apply to licensed spiritual counselling authorised by the competent authority.
During the session, lawmakers also passed several other bills spanning health, education, and civil administration, including the Mental Health Amendment Bill, Pakistan Nursing Council Amendment Bill, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council Amendment Bill, the federal curriculum and textbooks bill, and the Civil Servants Amendment Bill.
The new law marks a significant step in regulating practices related to magic and spiritual services in the country.
