# Attempt in the PPC in 9 cards. > Section 511 PPC punishes an attempt with up to half the longest term for the offence, but only where the Code has no express attempt section. These 9 cards cover the line between preparation and attempt and the main express sections. - Topic: Law study - For: Law students - A 11-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/attempt-in-the-ppc-in-9-cards - Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-29 ## The law. Section 511, PPC. > "Whoever attempts to commit an offence punishable by this Code with imprisonment for life or imprisonment, or to cause such an offence to be committed, and in such attempt does any act towards the commission of the offence, shall, where no express provision is made by this Code for the punishment of such attempt, be punished ... for a term which may extend to one-half of the longest term ..." (Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 511) ## The line. Cards 1 to 3. 1991 MLD 1823, Sindh High Court. - **Preparation** Devising or arranging the means. Not yet an attempt. (1991 MLD 1823) - **Attempt** A direct move towards the offence, after preparing. (1991 MLD 1823) - **The matches** Buying them is not attempted arson. Lighting one at the stack may be. (1991 MLD 1823) ## Section 511. Cards 4 to 6. The general rule. - **The term** Up to half the longest term for the offence. (s.511) - **Residual** Only where the Code has no express attempt section. (s.511) - **Causing it** Attempting to cause the offence to be committed counts. (s.511) ## Quick quiz. The empty box. Guess first, then swipe for the answer. - **A. No, nothing to steal** - **B. Yes, under s.511** - **C. Only of mischief** ## Answer: B. Illustration (a). Section 511, PPC. - **The box** He did an act towards theft, so s.511 applies. - **The pocket** Illustration (b): an empty pocket, same result. ## Express sections. Cards 7 to 9. - **Attempt to qatl-i-amd** Up to 10 years and fine, plus the punishment for any hurt. (s.324) - **Attempt to rob** Rigorous imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine. (s.393) - **Armed attempt** Not less than 7 years, if armed with a deadly weapon. (s.398) ## Courts differ. Section 324, at the bail stage. - **2024 PCrLJ 940** Sindh High Court: s.324 draws no line between vital and non-vital parts. - **2017 YLR 1274** Lahore High Court: a shot to the ankle. Intention to kill must be shown. Bail granted. ## Mix-ups to avoid. Three lines examiners test. - **Check first** Look for an express attempt section before s.511. - **Half of what** Half the longest term, not half the sentence given. - **Impossible** An empty box or pocket is still an attempt. ## Stuck on attempt? Ask FAI. It answers with the exact section and the judgments that explain it. - **Explain the difference between preparation and attempt in the PPC with cases.** - **When does section 511 PPC apply instead of a specific attempt section?** ## Sources - Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 511: Attempting to commit offences --- Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. FAI Media is part of FAI Legal (https://failegal.site), research on Pakistani statutes and judgments. Free to watch and read.