A court in Mardan has sentenced a man to three death penalties and a fine of 1.5 million rupees for the rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl. Additional Sessions Judge Number 5 handed down the verdict in case number 287, convicting Akhtar Hussain under charges of rape, kidnapping, and violations of the Child Protection Act.

The horrific crime occurred on March 26, 2020, within the jurisdiction of Sheikh Maltoon police station. Hussain abducted the child, raped her, and then brutally murdered her.

The court’s decision followed a successful police investigation and strong evidence presented by the prosecution. The tireless efforts of Senior Public Prosecutor Muhammad Inam and District Court lawyer Asad Ali were instrumental in securing justice for the victim’s family.

Pakistan’s legal framework for child protection:

Child protection in Pakistan is ensured through constitutional, federal, and provincial laws. Articles 25 and 35 of the Pakistani Constitution guarantee equal protection to all citizens, placing a responsibility on the state to protect mothers and children in particular.

The Pakistan Penal Code includes stringent punishments for such crimes, such as Section 376 (rape) and Section 364-A (kidnapping of children), which can include the death penalty for serious offenses.

Following the tragic case of Zainab Ansari, the federal government passed the “Zainab Alert, Response, and Recovery Act 2020,” establishing a national alert system and helpline (1099) for missing children.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also implemented specific child protection laws. The “Child Protection and Welfare Act 2010” established special courts to ensure child protection and district-level centers to support this cause.