In Pakistan, assembly speaker says public executions for crimes against children are possible
In Peshawar, Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati said public hanging for those convicted of child rape and murder could be introduced through legislation. Dawn reports.
A law in Ayat Noor’s honor
During an assembly session, Swati said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s child protection law would be named after five-year-old Ayat Noor. According to the publication, the girl was abducted, sexually abused and killed in Haripur a month earlier.
According to the speaker, the Ayat Noor Protection Act is intended to strengthen penalties for violence against minors and ensure the swift hearing of such cases in special courts. He said authorities plan to provide for the maximum possible punishment in cases of child rape and murder, including the death penalty by public hanging.
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Statements by lawmakers
Swati also noted that similar cases had been recorded in Haripur and Swat, and that police had identified those involved. His statement came after an address by Swat lawmaker Sharafat Ali, who reported the sexual abuse and murder of a child in his constituency.
Ali said he initially did not disclose the details in order to protect the privacy of the victim and her family. According to him, a committee headed by a special prosecutor was formed for the investigation.
At the same session, lawmakers also raised issues concerning the operation of public schools, vacant teaching positions in the tribal district of Bajaur, wheat production and the security situation in North Waziristan. The chair adjourned the session until Tuesday afternoon.
