ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi approved the Control of Narcotic Substances (Amendment) Bill 2022, making it into law, which suggested death punishment as a maximum sentence for drug trafficking.

“The bill provides death or life imprisonment for offences related to the illicit trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic drugs of varying quantity, including heroin, morphine, cocaine and methamphetamine (ice),” said a press release issued by the Presidency.

The law provides imprisonment, which could extend to life imprisonment, but not less than 20 years with a fine not less than Rs1 million for offences involving heroin and morphine of four kilogrammes or more. It also provides a punishment of death or imprisonment, which shall not be less than life, along with a fine up to Rs2m but not less than Rs1.5m for offences involving heroin or morphine of 6kg or more.

The law provides for punishment of death or imprisonment for life not less than 20 years along with a fine of at least Rs2.5m for offences involving 5kg cocaine or more, and similar punishments for psychotropic substance methamphetamine (ice).

It provides for maximum punishment if the offence involving a drug or psychotropic substance is committed inside or near an educational institution.