The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice, led by Chairman Senator Farooq Hamid Naek, convened on Friday at Parliament House to continue discussions on reforms in criminal law, family law, and constitutional provisions.
The Committee unanimously approved key reforms aimed at strengthening access to justice and promoting legal equity. Among them was the Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri. The amendment raises the minimum value of diyat from 30,663 grams to 45,000 grams of silver.
Lawmakers said the revision reflects economic realities and inflation while standardizing compensation expectations.
Senator Zehri said the increase strictly follows Islamic injunctions, ensuring the bill’s alignment with Shariah. However, Senator Kamran Murtaza recorded his dissent, expressing concern about the amendment’s impact on financially underprivileged convicts.
Chairman Naek defended the hike, stating that it was essential to enhance deterrence, uphold the sanctity of life, and ensure fair compensation for the heirs of the deceased. He praised members for their input and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to reforms reflecting evolving societal needs.
The Committee also adopted the sub-committee’s report on the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024, also moved by Senator Zehri.
The bill mandates that maintenance allowances for a divorced woman and her children be fixed at the first hearing. If the defendant fails to pay by the 14th of each month, the defense will be struck off, and the case will be decided on the plaintiff's and supporting evidence.
“In Pakistan, divorce proceedings often drag on for years, disproportionately affecting women and children who lack financial independence,” Senator Zehri said. “This amendment ensures timely relief and upholds the dignity of vulnerable families.”
The Committee strongly backed the legislation, stressing that “laws that protect the vulnerable and ensure swift justice are the need of the hour.” Senator Murtaza, however, submitted a dissenting note, citing constitutional concerns under Article 10-A on the right to a fair trial.
Meanwhile, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, was withdrawn with the Committee’s consent. The mover acknowledged it was redundant after a Supreme Court ruling and the existing proviso to Article 27(1) of the Constitution.
The meeting was attended by Senators Shahadat Awan, Kamran Murtaza, and Samina Mumtaz Zehri, along with officials from relevant government departments.
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