The Laws and Sentences for Child Rape Offences in Pakistan
- Section 375 – Defines Rape (Zina-bil-Jabr).
- Section 376(3) – Specifically addresses Rape of a Minor.
- Section 377 – A Defines Sexual Abuse (added via 2016 Amendment).
- Section 377 – B Punishes Sexual Abuse.
- Special Law – Anti-Rape Act 2021 Establishes Special Courts and Fast-Track Trials.
Punishments and Sentences in Pakistan
Child Rape (Section 376)
When the victim is a minor (under 18 years of age), the law mandates:
- Death Penalty OR Life Imprisonment (A mandatory fine is also typically imposed)
Sexual Abuse (Section 377-B)
This covers non-penetrative acts like fondling, stroking, or coercive obscene conduct with a child:
- Up to Life Imprisonment (minimums vary by specific provincial updates, but often range from 7 to 14 years).
- Fine: Usually not less than 500,000 PKR (£1,350).
Gang Rape of a Child
If the offence is committed by multiple people acting together:
- Death Penalty or Life Imprisonment for every participant involved.
NOW, the UK.
The Laws and Sentences for Child Rape Offences in the UK
- Rape of a Child – SOA 2003, Section 5 Penetration of a child under 13 with a penis.
- Assault by Penetration – SOA 2003, Section 6 Penetration of a child under 13 with a part of the body or an object.
- Sexual Assault – SOA 2003, Section 7 Non-penetrative sexual touching of a child under 13.
- Sexual Activity – SOA 2003, Section 9 Sexual activity with a child aged 13 to 15.
- Abuse of Trust – SOA 2003, Section 16–19 Sexual activity where the adult is in a position of authority (teacher, coach, etc.) over a child under 18.
Punishments and Sentences in the UK
The UK uses a “two-step” sentencing process: first identifying the Maximum Sentence allowed by law, and then applying Sentencing Guidelines to determine the actual time served.
For Victims Under 13 (The Most Serious)
Rape (Sec 5) & Assault by Penetration (Sec 6):
- Typical Range: 4 to 9 years, depending on factors like “grooming” or use of force.
Sexual Assault (Sec 7):
- Typical Range: Community orders to 7 years in prison.
For Victims Aged 13–15
Sexual Activity (Sec 9):
- Typical Range: 1 to 4 years
Gang Rape of a Child
If the offence is committed by multiple people acting together:
- Typical Range: 11 to 16 years
Let’s compare the two sentencing guidelines for these two countries.
- If I rape a child in Pakistan, I will get the Death Penalty OR Life Imprisonment.
- If I rape a child in the UK, I will get 4 to 9 years in prison.
- If I get some friends together and organise a grooming gang and rape children in Pakistan, I will get the Death Penalty or Life Imprisonment.
- If I get some friends together and organise a grooming gang and rape children in the UK, I will get 11 to 16 years in prison.
Let’s go a bit further.
When will I get parole (get out early in Pakistan) if I am sentenced for child rape?
You will not be released early and will serve the minimum sentence with no exceptions.
When will I get parole (get out early in the UK) if I am sentenced for child rape?
If the Judge does not set a minimum time to serve in prison, then you will do only 50% of your sentence. The maximum you will do is 75% if the Judge stipulates it at sentencing.
Ok, so what are the prisons like in Pakistan and the UK?
In the UK, sex offenders are typically housed in specialised Vulnerable Prisoner Units (VPUs) or dedicated sex-offender prisons like HMP Whatton to prevent them from being attacked by the general population; the regime is highly structured, focusing on psychological rehabilitation through programs like the Sex Offender Treatment Programme (SOTP).
Conversely, in Pakistan, extreme overcrowding often results in inmates being squeezed into shared barracks where safety is much harder to guarantee, and medical facilities are frequently abysmal. While a UK prisoner might face social isolation and “psychological anxiety” within a safe unit, a prisoner in Pakistan is more likely to experience “physical hardship,” including unsanitary conditions, lack of necessities, and a significantly higher risk of custodial physical and sexual abuse, all while navigating a legal system that has removed the possibility of early release or parole.
So what can we conclude when asking why Pakistanis come to Britain to commit child rape and operate as grooming gangs?
If you are a Pakistani and are going to carry out multiple child rapes, then the UK is by far the best place to do it in terms of lower sentences, better treatment, comfortable prison conditions, early release, and more.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.