Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is urging the abolition of the death penalty in Pakistan on World Day Against the Death Penalty. The party emphasizes the need for a broader public debate on its effectiveness in deterring crimes.

In a statement released by the PPP’s media cell, former senator Farhatullah Babar argues that proper defense and protection against torture should be given to accused individuals to prevent confessions under duress.

Expressing concern about the execution of mentally challenged and juvenile offenders, Babar urges authorities to exempt them from the death penalty. Currently, Pakistan lists 33 crimes punishable by death, prompting Babar to call for a revision to reduce its scope.

PPP’s leader advocates for legal and consular services for overseas Pakistanis facing death row and a mechanism for convicts in foreign jails to seek mercy. He asserts that Pakistan disproportionately executes the poorest and most marginalized individuals due to violations of their fair trial rights and confessions extracted through torture.

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Babar laments the delayed justice system, citing a case where two brothers were acquitted by the Supreme Court after they were hanged. He criticizes the senate standing committee for endorsing public hangings in the context of public outcry following the APS tragedy in 2014, noting that most executions are for ordinary crimes, not related to terrorism.

Babar highlights that several Islamic countries have placed a moratorium on death sentences, regretting Pakistan’s increasing number of crimes carrying the death penalty. He emphasizes the Quran’s emphasis on mercy and forgiveness, advocating for “justice with mercy” and the necessity to record reasons for issuing a death sentence.

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In conclusion, Babar emphasizes that a significant number of convictions are overturned on appeal, demonstrating that the death penalty often leads to serious miscarriages of justice.