National laws refer to laws with national jurisdiction.
Pakistan Penal Code, 1860
The Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) is the main criminal code of Pakistan. It was originally drafted in 1860 during the British colonial period, and it continues to be used in the country today. The PPC contains a variety of offences, including murder, theft and fraud, as well as provisions relating to the administration of justice, such as procedures for arrest and trial. The PPC applies to all citizens of Pakistan and to all other persons residing in the country, irrespective of their nationality.
Guardian and Wards Act, 1890
The Guardian and Wards Act, 1890 is a law in Pakistan that governs the appointment and powers of guardians for minor children and their property. The Act provides for the appointment of a guardian by the court for a minor child in certain circumstances, such as the death or incapacity of the child’s parents. The Act also sets out the powers and duties of a guardian, including the duty to care for the child’s welfare and to manage the child’s property. The Act is administered by the family courts in Pakistan.
Probation of Offenders Ordinance, 1960
The Probation of Offenders Ordinance, 1960 is a law in Pakistan that provides for the release of first-time offenders on probation rather than imprisonment. The law applies to offenders who have been convicted of a non-violent crime and have not previously been convicted of any offense. Under the law, the court has discretion to release an offender on probation, subject to certain conditions. The offender may be required to report to a probation officer, refrain from committing any further offenses, and participate in educational or vocational training programs. The court may also impose other conditions, such as restitution or community service.
The purpose of the law is to provide offenders with an opportunity to rehabilitate themselves and become productive members of society, while also reducing overcrowding in prisons. The law also provides for the supervision of offenders on probation, and empowers courts to revoke probation and impose a sentence of imprisonment if the offender violates the conditions of probation.
Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 is a law in Pakistan that was passed in August 2016. The law aims to curb cybercrime and provide a legal framework for the investigation and prosecution of electronic crimes. The law covers a wide range of activities including hacking, identity theft, and the distribution of illegal or offensive material online. PECA also includes provisions for the surveillance of electronic communications, and allows for the blocking of websites and social media accounts deemed to be in violation of the law. Some concerns have been raised regarding the potential for abuse of the law and infringement of civil liberties.
The law also criminalizes a wide range of activities dealing with online child sexual abuse, including the distribution of child pornography, cyberstalking of children, and the grooming of children for sexual exploitation. It also includes provisions for the monitoring of online activity, the removal of illegal content, and the reporting of child protection concerns to the relevant authorities. The law also provides for the establishment of a National Response Center for cybercrime, which will be responsible for dealing with complaints and coordinating the investigation of child protection cases.
National Commission on the Rights of Child Act, 2017
The National Commission on the Rights of Child Act, 2017 is a law in Pakistan that established the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) to promote and protect the rights of children in the country. The NCRC is an independent and autonomous body responsible for monitoring and reporting on the status of children’s rights in Pakistan and making recommendations to the government to improve the situation. The commission has the power to investigate violations of children’s rights, conduct research and provide education and awareness raising on children’s rights. The NCRC is also has the power to receive complaints from children and their representatives and take appropriate action.
Read NCRC Act, 2o17 with Jan 2022 Amendments Here
Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018
The Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018 is a law in Pakistan that governs the treatment of children who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The act is designed to protect the rights of children and to ensure that their needs are taken into account when they are dealt with by the legal system. The act applies to all children under the age of 18 and stipulates that children shall be treated differently from adults in the criminal justice system, recognizing their age, maturity, and vulnerability. The act provides for special procedures for the arrest, detention, trial and punishment of children, and also provides for the establishment of Juvenile Justice Systems institutions, such as juvenile courts and rehabilitation centers, where children will be held. The act also includes provisions for the protection of children’s rights, including the right to legal representation, the right to be informed of their rights, the right to be heard in court and the right to be protected from abuse, torture and other forms of ill-treatment.
Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018
The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018 is a law in Pakistan that aims to prevent and combat human trafficking in the country.
Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, 2020
The Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, 2020 is a law in Pakistan that was passed to help combat the issue of child abuse and abduction in the country. The act is named after Zainab Ansari, a young girl who was abducted, raped and murdered in 2018, which led to widespread public outrage and protests in Pakistan. The act provides for the creation of an emergency response system to be activated in cases of child abduction, as well as the establishment of a central database to track missing children. The act also requires the government to establish a dedicated helpline and a website for reporting missing children and provide public awareness campaigns on the issue. The act also provides for the creation of special courts to expedite the trials of child abuse cases and the establishment of a compensation fund for the victims and their families. The act also includes provisions for the protection of witnesses, and for the rehabilitation and reintegration of child abuse victims.
Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021
Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act was passed in 2021 to provide for speedy investigation and redress of cases of rape and sexual abuse of women and children through special investigation teams and special courts to ensure efficient procedures, speedy trials and evidence in such cases.