ISLAMABAD — The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice on Friday approved landmark amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, raising the minimum diyat value from 30,663 grams to 45,000 grams of silver. The revision, introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, aims to reflect inflationary pressures and ensure fair compensation for victims’ families in line with Shariah principles.
Committee Chairman Senator Farooq H. Naek said the increase strengthens deterrence and upholds the sanctity of life. However, Senator Kamran Murtaza recorded his dissent, citing hardships for underprivileged convicts. Despite this, the committee endorsed the move as part of its broader commitment to people-centric justice reforms.
In a major pro-women step, the committee also adopted the Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The legislation requires that maintenance for divorced women and their children be fixed at the first hearing, with strict penalties for defaulters. Senator Zehri termed it essential for protecting vulnerable families against prolonged financial suffering.
The committee also closed debate on a constitutional amendment to Article 27, withdrawn by Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir after a Supreme Court ruling made it redundant.
