Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice, chaired by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek, convened at Parliament House to approve significant reforms aimed at enhancing criminal, family, and constitutional laws in Pakistan. The Committee’s decisions reflect a commitment to improving access to justice and legal equity, as highlighted in today’s session.
The Committee unanimously passed amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, spearheaded by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri. The amendments include increasing the minimum value of diyat from 30,663 grams to 45,000 grams of silver. This adjustment aims to standardize compensation measures in response to economic changes and public expectations.
Senator Zehri assured that the amendment aligns with Islamic principles, while Senator Kamran Murtaza expressed concerns about its impact on financially disadvantaged convicts. Chairman Naek emphasized the importance of the revision for enhancing deterrence and ensuring fair compensation for victims’ families.
In another significant move, the Committee adopted a report on the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024, also introduced by Senator Zehri. The legislation mandates fixing maintenance allowances for divorced women and their children at the first hearing, with penalties for non-payment by the defendant.
Senator Zehri highlighted the need for this reform to provide timely relief to women and children affected by prolonged divorce proceedings. The Committee’s members emphasized the necessity of laws that protect vulnerable populations and ensure swift justice.
While Senator Kamran Murtaza recorded a dissenting note on constitutional grounds regarding the right to a fair trial, the overall consensus was in favor of the reforms.
Additionally, the Committee addressed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025, concerning Article 27. Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir withdrew the bill with the Committee’s consent, citing its redundancy following a Supreme Court judgment.
The meeting included participation from Senators Shahadat Awan, Kamran Murtaza, and Samina Mumtaz Zehri, along with officials from relevant government departments.