Haripur Court Sentences Rapist to 32 Years for Assaulting Minor Girl

HARIPUR: A court in Haripur has sentenced a man to 32 years in prison after convicting him of raping a mentally challenged nine-year-old girl. The incident occurred on July 8, 2020, when the girl was found bleeding and crying outside her home in Mohallah Darband, Khalabat Township, after being missing for some time.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Javed Yousuf, representing the victim, stated that the girl disclosed the assault to her parents, prompting an investigation. Using CCTV footage, neighbors identified the suspect, Habibur Rehman, also known as Qara, leading to his arrest by local police under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 53 of the KP Child Protection and Welfare Act.

Following a six-year trial, Judge Shah Faisal of the gender-based violence court sentenced Rehman to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs200,000 for the rape conviction. He was also found guilty under the Child Protection Act, highlighting the court’s commitment to addressing crimes against vulnerable individuals.

This ruling underscores the judicial system’s efforts to combat gender-based violence and protect minors in Pakistan. The case has drawn attention to the need for stricter enforcement of laws aimed at safeguarding children and ensuring justice for victims. Legal experts anticipate that this verdict may encourage more victims to come forward and seek justice.