PAKISTAN: DEATH PENALTY FOR KIDS, WOMEN ABOLISHED

April 10, 2009: the Lahore High Court in Pakistan abolished the death sentence for under-trial women and children arrested in narcotics cases, but increased sentences for previously convicted women and children.
A full bench held this while issuing new principles to remove discrepancies and bring uniformity in different sentences being awarded under Control of Narcotic Substance Act 1997. The court observed that only in cases containing special features could trial courts depart from these principles, and they would have to explain why.
A previously convicted woman or child would be handed down the same sentence as a male convict, but the death penalty would not be given. (Sources: The Nation, 11/04/2009)