A new Senate bill proposes tough penalties for individuals practicing or promoting black magic, sorcery, or witchcraft-related services in Pakistan.
Tabled on September 9, 2024, as the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024, it introduces Section 297A to the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The clause criminalizes practicing, promoting, or advertising services of magic, black magic, witchcraft, or sorcery – including those disguised as spiritual healing.
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Violators could face six months to seven years in prison and fines up to one million rupees. However, licensed spiritual counselors registered with the Ministry of Religious Affairs would be exempt from prosecution.
The bill also proposes amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, categorizing the offense as non-bailable, triable by a sessions court, and punishable with jail terms and monetary penalties.
If passed, the legislation would mark Pakistan’s first explicit legal framework to regulate claims of magic or witchcraft, signaling a wider effort to discourage deceptive “spiritual” services across the country.
