HADOOD ORDINANCE REVISITED: ASSESSING IMPLEMENTATION AND CHALLENGES IN PAKISTANI SOCIETY

Abstract

The Hadood Ordinance, implemented in Pakistan in 1979, has been a subject of significant debate and scrutiny due to its impact on access to justice and human rights, particularly for women and marginalized groups. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the ordinance, focusing on its implementation and societal implications from 2000 to 2020. Drawing on legal cases, sociological studies, and human rights reports, the study examines the ordinance's impact on access to justice, societal attitudes, and reform efforts. The findings highlight disparities in sentencing, challenges in accessing justice, and evolving societal attitudes toward the ordinance.

The study also identifies gaps in the research, such as the lack of comprehensive analysis of long-term societal impact and the limited attention to the experiences of marginalized groups.

The paper concludes with a futuristic approach, envisioning a legal system that is more equitable, just, and responsive to the needs of all individuals in Pakistan.