Criminal Law in Pakistan – Complete Overview
Criminal law in Pakistan deals with offenses against the state, individuals, or society, and provides punishments for acts considered crimes under the law. It defines what constitutes a crime, the procedure for investigation and trial, and the punishment for the offender.
📚 1. Sources of Criminal Law in Pakistan
Criminal law in Pakistan is primarily based on:
| Law/Code | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), 1860 | Defines crimes and their punishments |
| Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898 | Lays down procedure for investigation, trial, bail, etc. |
| Qanun-e-Shahadat Order, 1984 | Governs rules of evidence |
| Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 | Deals with terrorism and related offenses |
| NAB Ordinance, 1999 | Governs corruption and white-collar crimes |
| Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 | Covers drug-related crimes |
| Cyber Crime Laws (PECA Act, 2016) | Criminalizes online offenses |
🧾 2. Categories of Offenses under PPC
Crimes in Pakistan are generally categorized into:
a. Hudood (Fixed Penalties under Islamic Law)
Zina (adultery)
Theft (Sariqa)
False accusation (Qazf)
Punishments include amputation, lashes, and stoning (rarely implemented; require strict evidence)
b. Tazir (Discretionary Punishments)
Given by judge, based on circumstances
Most common type in courts
c. Qisas and Diyat (Islamic retribution and blood money)
Applicable in murder and bodily injury
Qisas: Equal retaliation (life for life, wound for wound)
Diyat: Compensation paid to victim/heirs
🚔 3. Common Crimes Under Pakistani Law
| Crime | Relevant Section in PPC |
|---|---|
| Murder | Section 302 |
| Attempt to murder | Section 324 |
| Rape | Section 375-376 |
| Theft | Section 378-382 |
| Robbery / Dacoity | Section 392-395 |
| Forgery | Section 463-471 |
| Bribery | Section 161-165 |
| Criminal Breach of Trust | Section 405-409 |
| Assault | Section 351-354 |
| Defamation | Section 499-502 |
| Cybercrime | PECA Act, 2016 |
| Terrorism | Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 |
👩⚖️ 4. Stages in a Criminal Case
Filing of FIR (First Information Report – under Section 154 CrPC)
Police investigation
Arrest of accused
Submission of challan (charge sheet)
Trial in court
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