Man Sentenced to Life for Raping 12-Year-Old Niece in Taxila
- Legal Precedent & Punishment – The conviction under Section 376-III of the Pakistan Penal Code highlights strict legal measures against child rape, reinforcing accountability.
- Psychological & Social Impact – The survivor faces long-term trauma, necessitating psychological support, while the case fuels community outrage and advocacy for stronger protections.
- Call for Reforms & Prevention – The incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement of child protection laws, public awareness campaigns, and faster judicial processes for child abuse cases.
A court in Taxila has handed down a life sentence to a man for the rape of his 12-year-old niece in 2023. Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Basit Aleem convicted Muhammad Shoaib, sentencing him to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs500,000. In case of non-payment, the convict will serve an additional six months in prison.
Case Background
The horrifying crime was reported to Wah Police on November 20, 2023, by the victim’s father. He stated that he was away attending a funeral in Rawalpindi when the incident occurred. Upon his return the next day, a female neighbour was present at his home, and in her presence, his daughter revealed the traumatic ordeal she had endured.
“In the presence of the woman, my daughter told me that her mamo (maternal uncle) Shoaib had raped her. She said that Shoaib had previously assaulted her and had threatened to kill her if she disclosed the abuse,” the grieving father reported.
Legal Action and Verdict
Following the complaint, Wah Police swiftly launched an investigation and booked the accused under Section 376-III of the Pakistan Penal Code, which mandates either the death penalty or life imprisonment for raping a minor. The court’s decision to sentence Shoaib to life imprisonment underscores the severity of the crime and sends a strong message against child sexual abuse.
Impact on the Community
The case has sparked outrage in the local community, with activists and legal experts calling for stricter enforcement of child protection laws. Victim support organisations have emphasised the importance of psychological counselling for the young survivor, highlighting the long-term trauma inflicted by such heinous crimes.
Efforts Against Child Abuse
The incident has reignited calls for greater awareness and preventive measures against child abuse. Authorities are urging parents to educate their children about personal safety and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately. Additionally, there is increasing advocacy for expedited legal proceedings in cases involving minors to ensure swift justice.
