Imran Khan just announced chemical castration as a possible punishment for rape
After the tragic and extremely shocking motorway incident, many had called into question the way it was handled by those in power. The comments made by the CCPO Lahore, in particular, had not sit well with Pakistanis. On top of this, the inaction of top leaders of the country also pissed off many people. Well, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, finally addressed the incident.
In an interview last evening, PM Imran Khan said that chemical castration is an option that the Government would put forth as a punishment for rapists
Mr. Prime Minister explained his point of view by suggesting that the rapists should not get an easy way out, surgery should be conducted to make sure that they will not be able to repeat this heinous crime again.
PM Imran Khan has also said that repeat sexual offenders should be castrated; we wanted to be sure of Govt intentions before going on air with it, but Govt is serious we are told pic.twitter.com/mIB3n5Y8hZ
— Moeed Pirzada (@MoeedNj) September 14, 2020
Naturally, this has ignited a debate on social media about the effectiveness of this remedy put forth by the PM
This bill should pass quickly ☺️ 😂#ChemicalCastrationForRapists pic.twitter.com/4DAEZYHBU6
— Anwar Maqsood (@Anwar_Maqsood01) September 15, 2020
This type of violence breeds violence. Rapists should not be given the right to live. Strongly condemn this decision of chemical castration for rapists. The decision of publically hanging rapists must be implemented throughout the country.
#ChemicalCastrationForRapists pic.twitter.com/zHnUXh1j5c
— Abdullah Shaukat (@Cpt__Abdullah) September 15, 2020
Quite a few people appreciated Imran Khan for suggesting chemical castration as a punishment
Well Done My Prime Minister. @ImranKhanPTI pic.twitter.com/sHDa3D1NQG
— Alamgir Khan (@AKFixit) September 14, 2020
#ThankYouPrimeMinisterPM Imran khan and @FaisalVawdaPTI should strictly take action against Rapists.#ThankYouPrimeMinister pic.twitter.com/O4uryFVOna
— imran khan (@imrankhan253419) September 14, 2020
They thanked the PM for suggesting an appropriate measure
Imran Khan suggests chemical castration as punishment for rapists…✌️#ThankYouPrimeMinister#ChemicalCastrationForRapists pic.twitter.com/u0fWFgBnj5
— 💝💝Mohsin Raza💝💝 (@its_mohsinraza) September 15, 2020
A few, however opposed the suggestion Imran Khan made for chemical castration, citing religious grounds
They argued that they want religious punishments which are in line with Islamic teachings.
PM Imran Khan Who the hell are you, you change the Islamic law we can't accept this law. Can you fight with Allah. Approved the real Islamic law against these bloody bastard's. https://t.co/tC7ch93r5d
— Muhammad Imran Sheikh (@Muhamma98401474) September 14, 2020
If with Surgical Castration, PM Imran Khan also passes the bill of "100 Lashes for Rapist" as per Islamic laws, that would be more appropriate. #ThankYouPrimeMinister
— Usama Imtiaz (@UsamaImtiaz37) September 14, 2020
A few said that this decision will result in more issues than it intends to solve
Some people worried that chemical castration of convicts could lead to individuals who will become psychopaths or extremist and could pose a threat to a healthy social environment.
What a miserable decision it is, do you ever think castration will produce psychopaths, extremist, and vengeful people in our society. The rapist will become more violent after this. The only solution for rapists is death penalty
WE DON'T SUPPORT #ChemicalCastrationForRapists— Ai'shahhh🇵🇰 (@AishaBaloch123) September 15, 2020
Amidst the serious debate, there were many who unleashed their meme skills over the situation
imran Khan: HAHA sounds good pic.twitter.com/8uPLgo34A9
— Akrama (@AkramaMianoor) September 14, 2020
Many believed that the PM has opted for an ‘easier’ way out and has not addressed many of the important issues like victim-blaming, unsafe public spaces, and other sensitive issues that are more important to curb the instances of rape
People are concerned that before deciding remedies for some famous cases, it is important to first make it safe for women to be able to report cases of rape. Then what’s needed is the certainty of conviction so that rapists are actually punished. The type of punishment, they argue, is something that comes much later and is only serving to incite more violence for the bloodthirsty, angry populace.
While some may argue, PM Khan has said he believes that by making the rapists ‘inactive’, the threat of rape from that particular individual will be eliminated.
What are your thoughts on this remedy? Sound off in the comments below.
Cover image via: kashmirobserver.net