Punishments are a core part of any legal system. They are not just a response to crime but also a reflection of the moral values and justice system of a society. One such law in Pakistan’s legal history is the Execution of the Punishment of Whipping Ordinance, 1979, introduced under General Zia-ul-Haq’s Islamization program. Though the punishment of whipping is rarely executed today, understanding the law is vital especially for legal practitioners, law students, and citizens who want to be informed about Pakistan’s criminal justice framework.
The Execution of the Punishment of Whipping Ordinance, 1979 was enacted to define the legal procedure for carrying out whipping as a form of corporal punishment. This law came into force during the enforcement of Hudood Ordinances, where certain Islamic punishments were codified under Pakistani law.
While whipping has deep historical and religious roots, it raised significant human rights concerns, especially from international watchdogs. Still, the law provides detailed procedures on how the punishment is to be executed when awarded by the court.
Authorized Personnel Only:
The punishment of whipping must be executed by an authorized officer under supervision.
Privacy and Dignity:
Whipping must not be carried out in public unless explicitly stated. It must maintain a balance between punishment and dignity.
Medical Examination:
A medical officer must certify the fitness of the convict to endure whipping without life threatening consequences.
Prohibition for Certain Individuals:
Women, minors under 18, and elderly people are generally exempt unless explicitly allowed under other applicable laws.
Record Keeping:
The execution of whipping must be documented and verified to ensure legal compliance.
Hudood Ordinances (e.g., Offenses against Hudood, Qazf Ordinance)
Sections of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) in limited circumstances
Shariah Court Rulings (where applicable)
Although the ordinance remains part of Pakistan’s statute books, whipping is very rarely applied in practice today. Due to evolving international human rights obligations and public pressure, such punishments are either commuted or replaced by imprisonment or fines in most cases.
Courts now interpret the law with a humanitarian lens, especially after Pakistan ratified global treaties such as the Convention Against Torture (CAT) and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The Ordinance was part of an attempt to align Pakistan’s criminal justice system with Islamic values. The idea was to instill deterrence through physical punishment. However, in modern legal practice, the focus has shifted from retribution to rehabilitation and restorative justice.
If you or someone you know is facing charges under laws that could involve corporal punishment, you need immediate legal support. At MAH&CO., we specialize in criminal defense cases across Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, with deep understanding of.
Hudood Laws
Pakistan Penal Code
Shariah Court Procedures
Human Rights Law and International Treaties
Challenging outdated punishments in modern courts
Seeking alternative sentencing and appeals
Ensuring humane treatment in custody
Protecting your constitutional rights under Articles 8, 10, 14, and 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan
Our firm proudly serves clients in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, handling complex criminal cases with compassion and professionalism. Whether you’re falsely accused or need legal protection under Hudood laws, we’re here to defend your rights.
While the Execution of the Punishment of Whipping Ordinance, 1979 is a historical piece of legislation, understanding it is important for anyone concerned with criminal justice, civil rights, or Islamic jurisprudence in Pakistan. Although the punishment is seldom implemented today, its presence in the law means that expert legal help is still necessary when navigating such cases.