ISLAMABAD (HRNW): In a significant move to ensure the safety of children, the Senate of Pakistan has passed crucial amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Criminal Law, introducing some of the strictest penalties in the country’s history for crimes against minors. The newly approved bill specifically targets the production and distribution of child pornography, stipulating that individuals found guilty of creating or sharing such content will face up to ten years of rigorous imprisonment along with a massive fine of up to Rs 10 million. To strengthen enforcement, the amendment includes a clause for Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) agreements, which will allow Pakistan to coordinate with other countries to track and prosecute offenders using social media platforms across borders.
The Senate also approved critical amendments to the Criminal Law regarding the medical treatment of rape survivors to ensure timely healthcare for victims. The new regulations state that the failure to provide immediate medical assistance to a rape victim is now a criminal offense, punishable by one year in prison and a fine. Furthermore, private hospitals are now legally bound to provide initial treatment to victims and are required to transfer the patient to a government-run hospital within a 24-hour window. These legislative changes are being hailed as a major step forward in strengthening Pakistan’s legal framework to protect vulnerable children and ensure that victims of sexual violence receive both justice and essential medical care without delay.
