PTBP Web Desk
The Ministry of Finance has officially revised the Diyat amount for the fiscal year 2024-25, setting it at Rs8,103,955.
This amount represents a substantial increase of Rs1,346,053 from last year’s figure, which stood at Rs6,757,902. The Diyat amount, commonly referred to as “blood money,” is a form of financial compensation paid to the victims or their families in cases of murder or bodily harm under Islamic law. This adjustment in the Diyat figure is directly tied to the rising market price of silver, reflecting fluctuations in its value.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the new Diyat amount is based on the value of 30,630 grams of silver. The adjustment in this figure is required under subsection (2) of Section 323 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). This legal provision mandates that the Diyat amount must be updated regularly in line with changes in the market price of silver, ensuring that the compensation remains fair and reflective of current economic conditions.
Diyat, under Islamic law, is a form of compensation or “blood money” that is paid by a person responsible for causing death or grievous injury to the victim or their family. It is an important aspect of Pakistan’s legal framework, particularly in cases of homicide, accidental death, or serious bodily harm. The concept of Diyat allows for the payment of compensation as an alternative to the execution of punishment, offering the family of the victim a degree of financial relief or justice.
In Islamic jurisprudence, Diyat can be seen as both a compensatory and restorative measure, providing the aggrieved parties with financial reparation while upholding principles of justice. The amount of Diyat is closely tied to the price of silver, a tradition that stems from Islamic law, where the value of such compensation was historically set in relation to commodities like gold and silver.
For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Diyat amount of Rs8,103,955 has been calculated based on the current market value of 30,630 grams of silver. This represents a significant increase, driven by the global rise in silver prices. The previous year’s Diyat figure of Rs6,757,902 was similarly tied to the value of silver, but the recent hike in silver prices has necessitated a corresponding rise in the compensation amount.
The determination of the Diyat amount is governed by subsection (2) of Section 323 of the Pakistan Penal Code. This section provides a legal basis for the periodic revision of the Diyat amount in accordance with market fluctuations in the price of silver. This dynamic nature of the Diyat amount ensures that the compensation remains relevant and fair over time, as it directly reflects economic trends.
The PPC outlines the legal framework for Diyat in cases of intentional or unintentional homicide, as well as in cases involving grievous bodily harm. While Diyat can be used as an alternative to punitive measures such as the death penalty or imprisonment, it requires the consent of the victim’s family. In instances where the family agrees to accept the Diyat, the perpetrator is spared from harsher punishment, and the payment serves as a form of restitution.
It is important to note that the Diyat amount is typically paid by the individual responsible for the crime or by their family. In certain cases, the payment may be made in installments, depending on the financial situation of the responsible party. The new amount of Rs8,103,955 sets a higher benchmark for compensation, reflecting not only the value of life and injury but also the evolving economic landscape.
Silver plays a crucial role in determining the Diyat amount under Islamic law, and this has been the case for centuries. The value of silver is seen as a stable and fair measure for setting the compensation figure, ensuring consistency in the amount of restitution across different cases. In Pakistan, the Ministry of Finance updates the Diyat figure annually, basing the amount on the prevailing market price of 30,630 grams of silver.
As silver prices fluctuate due to global economic conditions, the Diyat amount rises or falls accordingly. In recent years, the price of silver has seen significant increases, driven by factors such as market demand, geopolitical events, and fluctuations in currency values. These economic factors directly impact the Diyat amount, leading to the higher figure announced for FY 2024-25.
The increase in the Diyat amount for 2024-25 has significant implications for both the legal system and the individuals involved in Diyat cases. For victims and their families, the higher compensation amount offers greater financial relief in the aftermath of tragedy. The substantial increase in the Diyat figure underscores the importance of providing adequate compensation that reflects current economic realities.
For those responsible for paying the Diyat, the new amount presents a larger financial burden, especially given the significant rise from the previous year. However, the option to pay Diyat in installments may offer some relief, particularly for individuals who lack the financial means to make a lump-sum payment.
The government’s decision to revise the Diyat amount each year ensures that the compensation figure remains equitable and in line with market values. It also reinforces the principle of justice in Islamic law, which emphasizes fair restitution for the victim or their family.
