The Pakistani Parliament has approved an amendment that will see stricter penalties for forced marriages.

The upper house of parliament unanimously approved the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2016

State Minister for Interior Balighur Rehman told the Senate that punishment for forced marriage has increased from seven years imprisonment to ten.
He also explained that the amendment covers child labour and forced marriage with non-Muslims.

A new section under the Anti-Terrorism Act introduces an additional punishment for people involved in mob violence and lynching, whether motivated by religious or any other reason.

Mr Rehman said amendments have been suggested for the Police Act and it has now been included in the duties of policemen to stop spreading hatred on the basis of religion or sect.