Suicide attempts are no longer punishable in Pakistan

On Friday, President Dr. Arif Alvi signed legislation repealing the penalty for attempted suicide. The decision was announced on the president’s official Twitter account the same day.

According to the tweet, President Alvi approved the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2022 and the Foreign Investment (Promotion and Protection) Amendment Bill 2022.

Section 325 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which dealt with attempted suicide convictions, was repealed by the Criminal Laws (Amendment) bill.

As a result of the amendment, suicide attempts are no longer punishable in Pakistan.

Previously, the act stated that anyone who attempts suicide or engages in any act that leads to the commission of such a ‘offence’ faces a fine or a jail sentence of up to one year, or both.

The president also signed the Foreign Investment (Promotion and Protection) Amendment Act. Both bills were introduced in accordance with Article 75 of the United States Constitution.

According to the President House announcement, Alvi approved the bill repealing Section 325 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, which deals with punishing suicide attempts.

It may be remembered that the Senate passed legislation to eliminate the provision for punishment for those who attempt suicide.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) introduced the bill, which was opposed by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI).

Suicide or attempted suicide was a crime punishable by one year in prison, a fine, or both under Section 325 of the Penal Code.

Alvi also voted in favour of the Foreign Investment (Promotion and Protection) Amendment Bill 2022, which amends Section I of the Foreign Investment (Promotion and Protection) Act, 2022.

To read our blog on “Increase in ‘suicidal thoughts’ due to these 4 genes, a study,” click here