Pakistani Lawmakers Support Public Hanging For Pedophiles

In a move that has sparked both applause and outrage, Pakistan’s lower house of parliament has adopted a nonbinding resolution calling for the public hanging of individuals convicted of sexually abusing and murdering children. The resolution, introduced by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, has ignited intense debate across the nation and drawn global attention to Pakistan’s approach to combating child abuse.

Ali Muhammad Khan, while presenting the resolution on February 7, declared passionately, “Those who commit crimes against children deserve no mercy...They should be hanged in the middle of cities.” His words resonated with many lawmakers, as more than half of them voted in favor of the resolution. The resolution received strong backing from the ruling Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf party, led by then-Prime Minister Imran Khan.

A Divided Response

While the resolution gained support from many in the National Assembly, opposition parties and human rights groups have expressed grave concerns. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was among the vocal opponents, arguing that harsher punishments are not the solution to curbing child abuse. “The real challenge lies in addressing systemic issues such as weak law enforcement and a lack of child protection mechanisms,” one PPP representative stated.

Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhry, also criticized the resolution, calling it “just another grave act in line with brutal civilization practices.” Amnesty International strongly condemned the resolution, describing public hangings as “acts of unconscionable cruelty” with “no place in a rights-respecting society.”

A Growing Crisis

Pakistan has witnessed an alarming rise in sexual crimes against children in recent years, sparking nationwide protests and a public outcry for justice. Despite this, convictions remain rare due to systemic inefficiencies, corruption, and societal stigma. In 2018 alone, the nonprofit organization Sahil reported 3,832 cases of child abuse—an average of over 10 cases daily.

The roots of this crisis are deep and multifaceted. Cultural taboos around discussing sexual abuse, inadequate investigative processes, and a lack of survivor support systems contribute to the problem. Many cases go unreported, and when they are reported, victims and their families often face harassment or pressure to withdraw charges.

The Case for Public Hangings

Proponents of the resolution argue that public executions could serve as a deterrent for would-be offenders. They believe such measures would send a strong message that crimes against children will not be tolerated. In the words of Ali Muhammad Khan, “The severity of the punishment must match the gravity of the crime.”

Supporters also point to public outrage over high-profile cases, such as the 2015 pedophilia scandal in Punjab Province, where hundreds of pornographic videos of children were discovered. The scandal highlighted the vulnerabilities of children in marginalized communities and the glaring inadequacies of the legal framework at the time.

The Counterargument

Human rights activists and experts, however, caution against the use of capital punishment, let alone public hangings. Amnesty International’s Deputy South Asia Director, Omar Waraich, criticized the resolution as “acts of vengeance” rather than justice. He emphasized that there is no concrete evidence that public executions act as effective deterrents.

Waraich urged the government to focus on preventive measures such as strengthening child protection laws, improving law enforcement, and fostering awareness about sexual abuse. “The goal should be to protect children before abuse happens,” he said, advocating for fair trials without recourse to the death penalty.

A Look Back: The Death Penalty in Pakistan

Pakistan reinstated the death penalty in 2014 after a devastating terrorist attack on a school in Peshawar claimed over 150 lives, most of them children. Since then, hundreds of prisoners on death row have been executed. Critics argue that while the reinstatement was aimed at combating terrorism, its application has expanded to other crimes, raising ethical and legal questions.

What Needs to Be Done?

To truly address the epidemic of child abuse, Pakistan must go beyond punitive measures. Experts recommend a multi-pronged approach that includes:

1. Strengthening Laws: The introduction of a law in 2016 that criminalized sexual abuse against minors and child pornography was a step in the right direction, but more comprehensive legislation is needed.
2. Improving Conviction Rates: Enhancing investigative processes and providing protection for witnesses and survivors could help ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Breaking the cultural taboo around discussing child abuse is essential. Education programs can empower children and parents to recognize and report abuse.
4. Support for Survivors: Counseling and rehabilitation services are critical for helping survivors rebuild their lives.

The Global Perspective

The debate in Pakistan mirrors a broader global conversation about how best to combat child abuse. While some countries advocate for strict penalties, others focus on rehabilitation and systemic reforms. Public executions, however, remain a rare and controversial measure, with most human rights organizations opposing them.

A Nation at a Crossroads

The resolution for public hangings has laid bare the deep divides in Pakistan’s approach to justice and human rights. On one hand, it reflects the public’s frustration and demand for swift, visible action against heinous crimes. On the other hand, it raises critical questions about ethics, effectiveness, and the role of the state in delivering justice.

As Pakistan grapples with these challenges, the world watches closely. Will the country opt for punitive measures, or will it embrace a more holistic approach to safeguarding its children? The answer will shape not only the nation’s legal landscape but also its moral identity for years to come.