A rape victim can therefore be punished after a trial in which she was given no chance to testify. Maximum penalties under the Zina Ordinance include death by stoning or public flogging. While Amnesty International acknowledges that these two punishments have not been carried out recently, it remains concerned that they remain on the statute book and might once again be imposed. Even if a woman's testimony is admitted, rape victims are frequently convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse if they fail to establish beyond doubt that they did not consent. In Karachi Central Court, about 15 per cent of rape trials reportedly result in the woman who brought the case being charged and imprisoned.
Young girls are particularly at risk of having their human rights violated.
When they reach the age of puberty, as young as 11 or 12, they are considered adult and can be subjected to all the cruel punishments reserved for adults. Her family filed a complaint of rape. The punishment was later reduced to 10 lashes and three years' imprisonment. In addition to such discriminatory laws and legal practices, women in Pakistan are sometimes detained when male family members cannot be found. In custody, many are raped and subjected to other forms of torture.