Similarly, Women Protection Act of 2004 also excluded from compoundability murders. If it was not an issue of ideology and religion, how can it be an issue of ideology now, Babar asked. He added that opposition to exclude from Qisas and Diyat law and to make non-compoundable murders in the name of honour was motivated by politics and not religion.
The legislation passed by the Joint session on Friday makes 25 years jail mandatory in case of honour killings even if the murderer has been pardoned by other close family members.
About the Anti Rape Bill Babar said that a recent study had shown that conviction in rape cases was a mere 2% which means that 98% rapists potentially got scot-free. The is largely because DNA test is not compulsory in rape case under the existing law.
The legislation passed on Friday however makes DNA test mandatory in investigations as part of the procedure.
Through another amendment, enhanced punishment has been provided for rape in police stations and rape of minors and mentally handicapped.
The new legislation also deletes from Qanun e Shahadat, the provision relating to questioning the character of the victim of rape. Thus sex workers also get protection of the law against rape.
The identity of a rape victim will also be protected under the legislation passed on Friday.
(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:economictimes.indiatimes.com)
