Islamabad: Pakistan’s National Assembly has passed the Anti-Rape (Amendment) Bill 2026, introducing tougher legal protections for victims of sexual abuse and child exploitation in an effort to strengthen the country’s response to rape and child abuse cases.
Under the newly approved legislation, offences involving sexual assault, physical abuse, and child exploitation have been declared non-bailable, limiting the ability of accused persons to secure bail except in extraordinary circumstances. Courts will also be required to consider the safety and best interests of child victims before granting any relief to the accused.
The bill, moved by lawmaker Noshin Iftikhar, amends the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021 and seeks to improve the investigation and prosecution process in child sexual abuse cases. The legislation also requires police authorities to ensure that child victims undergo medical examinations by certified forensic experts within 24 hours of a complaint being filed.
According to the amended law, the dignity, privacy, and protection of victims must be safeguarded during medico-legal examinations and court proceedings, while forensic evidence collected during examinations will become part of the official investigation.
The bill further calls for the establishment of child courts across districts and cities to ensure faster trials and priority handling of child abuse cases. Lawmakers and rights activists have welcomed the legislation, describing it as an important step toward improving protection for women and children in Pakistan.
However, human rights advocates say effective implementation, independent investigations, and judicial accountability will remain crucial in ensuring justice for victims of sexual violence across the country.
