Pakistan’s National Assembly has approved the Anti-Rape (Amendment) Bill 2026, introducing tougher legal measures against child abuse, sexual assault, and physical exploitation by declaring such offences non-bailable. The legislation is aimed at strengthening child protection laws and ensuring faster justice for victims.
Under the newly passed amendment, law enforcement agencies will now be required to ensure that child victims undergo medical examinations by certified forensic experts within 24 hours of a complaint being filed. Authorities say the move is designed to improve evidence collection and accelerate investigations.
The law also introduces strict safeguards to protect the dignity, privacy, and security of victims during medical examinations and legal proceedings. Any forensic evidence collected during the process will officially become part of the investigation record.
According to the amendment, courts will not grant bail in child sexual abuse and exploitation cases except under extraordinary circumstances. Judges must carefully consider the best interests and safety of the child before approving any bail request, including assessing potential threats or harm from the accused.
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Lawmakers stated that the legislation was introduced to address growing concerns over delays in justice and weak legal protections for children. The bill also proposes the establishment of specialized juvenile or child courts in districts across Pakistan to ensure quicker and more sensitive handling of abuse cases.
During the same parliamentary session, lawmakers also discussed broader legal reforms related to obscene material and public indecency laws, with proposals seeking stricter punishments for the sale, advertisement, and circulation of explicit content.
Legal experts and child rights activists have welcomed the amendment, calling it a major step toward improving child protection laws in Pakistan. However, they also stressed that effective implementation and faster court proceedings will be critical for the law to achieve meaningful results.
