ISLAMABAD: The Federal Shariat Court (FSC) has declared attempted suicide a punishable offense once again after ruling against the government’s 2022 legislation that had removed criminal penalties related to suicide attempts from Pakistani law.

The verdict was announced by a three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Iqbal Hameed-ur-Rehman, Justice Muhammad Anwar Iqbal, and Justice Ameer Khan. The court delivered its reserved judgment in petitions challenging the 2022 amendment.

In its ruling, the Federal Shariat Court declared the government’s legislation inconsistent with Islamic principles and therefore invalid. The court accepted the petitions filed against the 2022 law and restored the legal provision that criminalized attempted suicide.

Under the legal reforms introduced in 2022, the government had removed the section of the Pakistan Penal Code that treated attempted suicide as a criminal offense. The amendment had effectively decriminalized suicide attempts, with supporters arguing that individuals attempting suicide required medical and psychological assistance rather than criminal prosecution.

However, the Federal Shariat Court ruled that the deletion of the relevant legal provision was not in accordance with Islamic injunctions. As a result, the court reinstated the section of criminal law that had previously been removed through the 2022 legislation.

Legal experts say the judgment could have major implications for Pakistan’s criminal justice system, healthcare policies, and mental health advocacy efforts.

The decision is expected to spark debate among legal scholars, religious experts, mental health professionals, and human rights organizations. Critics of criminalization often argue that treating suicide attempts as crimes may discourage vulnerable individuals from seeking medical or psychological support.

Mental health advocates have previously maintained that people who attempt suicide are frequently suffering from severe emotional distress, trauma, depression, or other psychological conditions and should be provided counseling and rehabilitation instead of legal punishment.

Supporters of the court’s decision, however, argue that the ruling aligns the law with Islamic teachings and social values regarding the sanctity of human life.

The Federal Shariat Court has constitutional authority to examine whether laws are consistent with Islamic injunctions. If the court finds a law contrary to Islam, the government is required to amend or repeal it accordingly.

The 2022 amendment had been widely discussed in legal and social circles because it represented a shift toward treating mental health issues through healthcare and social support frameworks rather than criminal prosecution.

Following the latest ruling, legal observers expect the government may review the judgment and consider possible legal or constitutional options, including an appeal process if applicable.

The decision also highlights the continuing debate in Pakistan over the balance between religious jurisprudence, criminal law, and evolving approaches to mental health policy.

Further legal details and the court’s complete written judgment are expected to provide greater clarity regarding the reasoning behind the ruling and its future implementation.