Islamabad:
The permanent senatorial committee of the interior approved unanimously on Monday a bill offering strict sanctions for practitioners, promoters and advertisers of black magic, imposing up to seven years in prison.
The legislation also stipulates that individuals offering spiritual healing services must obtain a license from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The committee, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, summoned to the Chamber of Parliament, where senator Samina Zehri presented the bill. Following minor changes suggested by the Law Ministry, the committee members unanimously adopted the project.
Under the amendment proposed to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC), article 297-A will be introduced.
The amendment stipulates that anyone practicing black magic, engaging in occult rituals or promoting such activities will risk a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of seven years in prison, as well as a fine of up to Rs1 million.
The bill also declares that individuals pretending to be spiritual healers while engaging in black magic or promoting their services will be confronted with the same penalties. However, approved spiritual healers recorded with the Ministry of Religious Affairs will be exempt from the law.
During the committee’s discussion, the Senator of PML-N Talal Chaudhry made a sarcastic remark concerning the bill against black magic, saying: “As these are dark arts, perhaps the PTI should also be consulted”.
In response, PTI Senator Saifullah Abro said he had no objection to legislation.
The Law Ministry proposed a minor review to the bill bill, which was incorporated before the Committee unanimously approached the final version.
The Committee also expressed its concerns concerning the absence of key provincial officials. Senator Saifullah Abro protested the non-comparison of the Inspector General of the Sindh (IG) and the chief secretary, saying: “We represent the whole country. Why did they not appear?”
President Faisal Saleem also expressed his frustration with regard to officials who jumped meetings, in particular concerning the murder of Mustafa Amir. He noted that the case was unnecessarily prolonged by linking it to drug -related charges.
The Minister of the State, Talal Chaudhry, warned against the invocation of provincial officials too frequently, warning that it could create political tensions. “There is a fine line when it comes to provincial issues. If our committee is starting to dig too deep, it could lead to unnecessary conflicts,” he said.
