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Pakistani PM Reportedly Approves 'In Principle' Castration, Hanging of
Rapists

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is reported to have
   approved "in principle" a new law on "chemical castration" and hangings
   of rapists.

   Local media Wednesday reported the draft anti-rape legislation,
   approved by the federal cabinet the previous day, would require
   fast-track investigation and trial of suspected sexual assailants.

   Pakistani Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari explained in a statement
   that a cabinet committee has been tasked wih finalizing the "badly
   needed" law and "it should become operational in the next few days."

   Mazari said the law, once enacted, would require establishing special
   courts to deal with the crime of rape and setting up anti-rape "crisis
   cells" for protection of both victims and witnesses.

   Mazari touted the proposed legislation in a tweet Wednesday that she
   issued in connection with the International Day for Elimination of
   Violence against Women.

   "Our anti rape law will be one more step forward. We are ensuring
   existing laws protecting women's rights & protecting ag violence are
   implemented effectively," she said.

   Pakistan has experienced a spike in incidents of rape over the past few
   years.

   A serial killer raped a 7-year-old girl in the eastern city of Kasur in
   2018 before murdering her. The crime drew nationwide condemnation and
   demands for publicly hanging the rapist.

   A court later sentenced the man to death and he was executed inside a
   high-security jail because existing Pakistani laws do not allow public
   hangings.

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