Law study · For law students
Qisas to fine: PPC punishments in 9 cards.
In short
Section 53 PPC lists the punishments: qisas, diyat, arsh, daman, ta'zir, death, imprisonment for life, imprisonment (rigorous or simple), forfeiture of property and fine. These 9 cards cover the terms in s.299 and the numbers in ss.55, 57 and 65 that come up in exams.
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 6 November 2026 · 11 slides · 2 min read
The law.
Section 53, PPC.
“The punishments to which offenders are liable under the provisions of this Code are: Firstly, Qisas; Secondly, Diyat; Thirdly, Arsh; Fourthly, Daman; Fifthly, Ta'zir; Sixthly, Death; Seventhly, Imprisonment for life; Eighthly, Imprisonment, rigorous or simple; Ninthly, Forfeiture of property; Tenthly, Fine.”
Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 53, Punishments
The terms. Cards 1 to 3.
Section 299, PPC.
- QisasSimilar hurt at the same part of the body, or death for qatl-i-amd. (s.299(k))
- DiyatCompensation under s.323, paid to the victim's heirs. (s.299(e))
- ArshCompensation fixed in the Code, paid to the victim or heirs. (s.299(b))
The terms. Cards 4 to 6.
Sections 299 and 60, PPC.
- DamanCompensation the court fixes for hurt not liable to arsh. (s.299(d))
- Ta'zirAny punishment other than qisas, diyat, arsh or daman. (s.299(l))
- Rigorous or simpleThe court can make a term wholly one, or part each. (s.60)
The numbers. Cards 7 to 9.
Sections 57, 65, 55, PPC.
- Life = 25 yearsOnly when working out fractions of a sentence. (s.57)
- One-fourthDefault term for unpaid fine: at most 1/4 of the maximum. (s.65)
- 14 yearsMost a life term can be commuted to by the Province. (s.55)
Quick quiz. The fine.
Guess first, then swipe for the answer.
- A. Yes
- B. No, 1 year at most
- C. No default term allowed
Answer: B. Section 65.
Section 65, PPC.
- The ruleDefault term cannot pass 1/4 of the maximum term.
- The maths4 years at most, so 1 year at most in default.
- AppliedSupreme Court, Crl. Petition 798-L of 2006, 22 Jan 2007.
No commuting without consent.
Section 55, provisos.
- Chapter XVINot without the consent of the victim or heirs.
- Neverss.354A, 376, 376A, 377, 377B.
- NeverWhere fasad-fil-arz applies.
Group them.
Read s.53 with s.299.
- Victim-basedQisas, diyat, arsh, daman.
- Ta'zirEvery other punishment.
- The ladderDeath, life, imprisonment, forfeiture, fine.
Revising? Ask FAI.
It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.
- What is the difference between arsh and daman?
- Explain section 65 PPC with an example.
Example questions
Sources
- Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 53
Punishments Pakistan Code
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. How we check.
