Senate Panel Backs Key Legal Reforms

ISLAMABAD, Sept 13 — The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice on Friday approved important amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code and Family Courts Act, aimed at updating blood money (diyat) rules and protecting vulnerable families.

Diyat Value Raised

• Minimum value increased from 30,663 grams to 45,000 grams of silver
• Equivalent to about Rs 15–20 million at current market rates
• Move pushed by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, framed under Islamic injunctions
• Committee Chairman Senator Farooq H. Naek said the change strengthens deterrence and ensures fair compensation for heirs

Senator Kamran Murtaza dissented, warning that the higher amount may burden less-privileged convicts.

Family Courts Amendment

• Maintenance for divorced women and children must be fixed at the first hearing
• Failure to pay maintenance by the 14th of each month will lead to defence being struck off
• Aim: timely relief and dignity for women and children

Senator Zehri called the move “pro-women” and a step against prolonged delays in divorce cases.

Other Decisions

• Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, was withdrawn after the committee found it unnecessary in light of existing constitutional safeguards.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Naek, was attended by Senators Shahadat Awan, Kamran Murtaza, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, and officials from concerned ministries.

You May Like To Read:

• PM Breaks Ground for T-Chowk Flyover
• CJP Afridi Makes Key Appointments in Supreme Court
• Floods Trigger Humanitarian Crisis in Punjab; Over 2.4 Million Displaced