Tag: Pakistan Penal Code

  • Enforced Disappearance Bill never went missing, claims Chairman Senate

    Enforced Disappearance Bill never went missing, claims Chairman Senate

    In response to recent speculations surrounding the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2021, the Senate Secretariat has issued a statement on Monday, debunking claims of the bill on enforced disappearances going “missing.”

    The Senate Secretariat clarified that the bill was duly passed by the National Assembly (NA) and subsequently returned to the NA after receiving approval from the Senate.

    https://twitter.com/OfficeSenate/status/1744311661509382327?s=20

    The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2021, designed to introduce amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure, received approval from the NA on November 8, 2021.

    Former human rights minister Shireen Mazari had previously voiced concerns about the bill’s status, suggesting that it had disappeared after being forwarded to the Senate.

    In its official statement, the Senate Secretariat refuted these claims, providing a detailed timeline of the bill’s progress. According to the Secretariat, the bill was initially introduced in the NA by the then-interior minister on January 7, 2021. After successfully passing the NA on November 8, 2021, the bill was transmitted to the Senate on November 10, 2021, adhering to constitutional and procedural requirements.

    Addressing the allegations raised by Shireen Mazari, the Senate Secretariat clarified that the bill was presented in the Senate on July 29, 2022. Subsequently, it was referred to the standing committee for a comprehensive consideration and report.

    “The Bill was passed by the Senate on 20th October, 2022 with some amendments. Accordingly, in pursuance of clause (2) of Article 70 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 and rule 125 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012, the Bill was returned to the originating House, i.e. the National Assembly of Pakistan on 20th October, 2022,” the statement said.

    The Secretariat underscored that, by Article 70 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, and Rule 125 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012, the bill was returned to its originating House, the National Assembly, on October 20, 2022, after securing approval in the Senate.

    The statement concluded by emphasizing that the bill was never missing, and it is not currently pending in the Senate Secretariat. Instead, it has been appropriately returned to the National Assembly after completing the required legislative process in the Senate. The Senate Secretariat reiterated its commitment to upholding constitutional and procedural standards in handling legislative matters.

  • IG Punjab promises ‘good news’ soon in ongoing search for missing journalist Imran Riaz

    IG Punjab promises ‘good news’ soon in ongoing search for missing journalist Imran Riaz

    Punjab Inspector General (IG) Dr Usman Anwar, during a court hearing addressing a plea concerning the whereabouts of anchorperson Imran Riaz, asserted on Wednesday that the police were poised to deliver “good news” in the coming days. As a result of this statement, the court granted an extension for additional time to locate the missing journalist.

    Imran Riaz has remained untraceable since his apprehension at Sialkot airport on May 11, a mere two days following widespread protests triggered by the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan on May 9. His last known location was the Cantt police station immediately following his arrest, and subsequently, he was transferred to Sialkot prison.

    It’s worth noting that Imran Riaz was among several journalists taken into custody in the aftermath of the May 9 protests. Following these events, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed on May 16 by the anchorperson’s father, Muhammad Riaz, alleging the abduction of his son. 

    According to Dawn, the FIR listed “unidentified persons” and police officials as suspects under Section 365 of the Pakistan Penal Code, pertaining to kidnapping or abducting with the intent to secretly and wrongfully confine a person.

    In parallel, the journalist’s father initiated legal proceedings by submitting a plea to the Lahore High Court for the recovery of his son. 

    Today, Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti presided over the case and was apprised by the Punjab IG of positive progress in the ongoing investigation. 

    In his statement, the IG assured the court of forthcoming positive developments within the next 10 to 15 days and requested additional time for their efforts to locate Imran Riaz.

  • OGRA proposes Rs10 million fine for oil companies involved in illegal petroleum stocking and distribution

    OGRA proposes Rs10 million fine for oil companies involved in illegal petroleum stocking and distribution

    The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended severe penalties for those involved in the illegal storage, handling, and distribution of petroleum products in Pakistan. OGRA has proposed amendments to Sections 285-B and 285-C of the Pakistan Penal Code to address this issue.

    According to OGRA’s proposal to the Cabinet Division, individuals or oil marketing companies found guilty of unauthorised storage and handling of petroleum for the purpose of sale, resale, transport, or distribution to consumers could face up to ten years in prison or a fine of up to Rs10 million. The regulatory body emphasises that such unauthorised activities have detrimental effects on society, particularly innocent individuals who may unknowingly be exposed to unsafe petroleum products.

    The proposed amendments aim to address the existing gaps in the legal framework related to the handling of explosive substances, fire or combustible materials, and machinery that can cause harm to human life and property damage. While Sections 285, 286, and 287 of the Pakistan Penal Code already deal with these issues, they do not specifically cover the illicit sale, distribution, production, storage, or handling of petroleum products.

    To rectify this, OGRA has recommended the insertion of Section-A 285-B and 285-C in the Pakistan Penal Code. These new sections would serve to safeguard human life and property by imposing strict penalties for unlicensed handling of petroleum products and explosive substances, as well as unauthorised manufacturing of machinery and equipment.

    The proposed amendments align with the constitutional provisions of Pakistan, which ensure that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property except in accordance with the law. By introducing these new measures, OGRA aims to deter illegal activities in the oil and gas sector, protect public safety, and maintain a regulated and lawful environment for the industry.

    The recommendations made by OGRA are now under consideration by the Cabinet Division. If approved and implemented, the proposed amendments would serve as a strong deterrent against the illegal handling and distribution of petroleum products, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Pakistani public.

  • Mother kills 22-day-old daughter because newborn’s crying was disturbing her, husband

    Mother kills 22-day-old daughter because newborn’s crying was disturbing her, husband

    A woman has allegedly murdered her own 22-day-old newborn in Karachi. After investigation, she confessed to the police, reports ARY News.

    According to the police, she was arrested from Liaquatabad, Karachi. They also recovered the weapon used to murder the baby girl. The body of the infant was also found in the house.

    According to the mother’s initial statement, she covered up the incident with a robbery. She also fainted when the police reached the crime scene. She further added that a boy barged into the house from the roof and pushed her, after which she hit her head on the refrigerator and passed out.

    She added that after gaining consciousness she found her daughter with her throat slit.

    The mother later confessed that she murdered her newborn because the baby’s crying interrupted her and her husband’s sleep, which caused fights and issues between the couple.

    The father of the baby has filed a case against his wife under section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

  • Court sentences Hindu teacher to life in prison over ‘blasphemy’ charges

    Court sentences Hindu teacher to life in prison over ‘blasphemy’ charges

    A session court sentenced a Hindu teacher, Nautan Lal, to life imprisonment over charges of ‘blasphemy’ in Ghotki, a district in Sindh. He was fined Rs50,000 as well, reports SAMAA News.

    The verdict was announced by the additional session judge, Mumtaz Ali Solangi today. The court took two years to convict Nautan Lal who has been in jail since 2019 as an undertrial prisoner.

    According to the verdict, he is charged with Section 265-H of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

    A case was also registered against Lal under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). He was accused of passing derogatory remarks about the Holy Prophet P.B.U.H

    He was sent back to Central jail in Sukkur. His requests for bail have been rejected twice for the past two years.

    In September 2019, a video was circulated across social media in which an intermediate student claimed that the owner of Ghotki’s Sindh Public Higher Secondary School committed blasphemy.

    Member of Jamaat Ahle Sunnat, Mufti Adul Karim Sayeedi registered a blasphemy case against the school owner.

    However, teachers clarified that the Nautan Lal did not teach at the school but he just visited on that day. He used to teach Physics at Government Degree College Ghotki.

    A protest erupted in the town and a violent mob attacked the Hindu Temple in Ghotki and damaged its idols.

  • Orphan files petition against NADRA for not issuing CNIC

    Orphan files petition against NADRA for not issuing CNIC

    An abandoned orphan man, Muhammad Ahsan approached the Sindh High Court and has filed a petition against the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) under section 199 (False statement made in declaration which is by law receivable as evidence) of the Pakistan Penal Code for not issuing a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).

    Ahsan is a resident of Orangi Town in Karachi who has been trying to get CNIC for four years to get admission to a university but every time he does, NADRA refuses to let him apply for an identity card. He is asked to come with blood relatives.

    According to Ahsan, his mother abandoned him when he was only six years old because his father was a drug addict. He was brought up by his grandparents but they also died later. His father also passed away in 2008. His uncle took responsibility for him and also assisted in getting him an education.

    The petition stated that he submitted the death certificate of his father as one of the requirements of NADRA. However, they insisted he come with a blood relative.

  • Shahrukh Jatoi shifted to jail after enjoying private hospital facilities for two years

    Shahrukh Jatoi shifted to jail after enjoying private hospital facilities for two years

    A death row convict, Shahrukh Jatoi was shifted to Central Jail after benefiting from a luxurious life in the private hospital room for more than two years. When the news aired on various channels, the administration of the jail came into action and put him behind bars once again.

    According to media reports, Jatoi’s family rented the whole upper floor of the Hospital named Qamar-ul-Islam Hospital in Karachi for the inmate where he enjoyed all facilities and appeared to be living like a normal citizen.

    The amenities included a television, airconditioner, and a refrigerator among other facilities which violated the rules and procedures of the Pakistan Penal Code.

    According to Geo News, Shahrukh Jatoi was also allowed to leave the premises of the hospital without any police protocol.

    He was transferred to the private hospital “orders of the Sindh Home Department and an influential person was behind this breach of rules,” stated the news network. However, the department was not aware of the transfer of the death-sentenced convict.

    He was transferred to the hospital when he complained of a backache and later reportedly complained of having gastric problems.

    According to the rules, if the life of a prisoner is in danger, he would be transferred to public or private hospitals. However, the provincial health department did not receive any letter to shift him to the private hospital from the provincial home department regarding this case.

    Shahrukh Jatoi was arrested after he killed a young man, Shahzeb Khan near his home, Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Karachi on December 25, 2012.

    The victim’s family flew abroad to live without any fears. His mother reportedly said, “We may not have forgiven them in our hearts, but we have pardoned our son’s killers in the name of Allah. We cannot spend our entire lives in fear… we took the decision considering the circumstances.”

  • Missing persons bill gone ‘missing’, admits Minister Shireen Mazari

    Missing persons bill gone ‘missing’, admits Minister Shireen Mazari

    Human Rights Minister Dr Shireen Mazari revealed that a bill about enforced disappearances in the country, which was recently passed by the National Assembly (NA), had gone “missing”.

    Speaking at a press conference Mazari said: “We had prepared the bill regarding missing persons and it was passed by the [relevant] standing committee and the National Assembly. But it went missing after it was sent to the Senate.”

    The minister said there were reports, however, that the bill was now at the Senate Secretariat.

    The bill, Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2021, was passed by the NA on November 8, 2021, and is aimed at making amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Code of Criminal Procedure.

    It was introduced in the National Assembly by the interior minister in June 2021.

  • Ex-General’s son convicted of provoking rebellion in Army

    Ex-General’s son convicted of provoking rebellion in Army

    A military court has convicted the son of a retired major general of the Pakistan Army to a five year prison term for trying to incite anarchy in the army. He wrote a letter questioning the extension given to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and demanded his resignation, reported BBC Urdu.

    BBC reports that Hassan Askari, son of Maj Gen (R) Zafar Mehdi Askari, a computer engineer by profession, was convicted under Section 131 of Pakistan Penal Code for criticising Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s extension in a letter to him. The conviction was served by the Field General Court Martial in Gujranwala Cantt.

    Askari was defended by a military officer deputed by the military court. The trial was conducted in July and he was shifted to the high-security prison in Sahiwal.

    Section 131 of the Pakistan Penal Code covers inciting army officers to treason. The First Investigation Report (FIR) charges Askari of criticising the army’s top command and senior officers to spread anarchy in the army at the behest of external enemies, reports BBC.