The Women's Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) in Balochistan has resolved to expedite the legislative process aimed at preventing acid attacks and ensuring justice and rehabilitation for survivors. This decision was made during a meeting chaired by Deputy Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly and WPC Chairperson Ghazala Gola, held on Monday in the Provincial Assembly's Committee Room.
Meeting Focus and Participants
The session concentrated on measures to curb acid violence, strengthen relevant laws, and support affected individuals. Attendees included WPC members Raheela Hamid Khan Durrani, Shahida Rauf, Farah Azeem Shah, Kulsoom Niaz, Salma Kakar, and Shahnaz Umrani; Justice (retd) Kailash Nath Kohli; representatives from the Home and Law departments; officials from UN Women; and Special Secretary of the Balochistan Assembly Abdul Rehman.
Legal Framework and Statistics
During the meeting, Justice (retd) Kailash Nath Kohli provided a detailed briefing on Pakistan's existing legal framework concerning acid attacks and related crimes. He also updated participants on a proposed provincial law drafted in 2016. Representatives from the Home Department presented official statistics, revealing that seven cases of acid throwing have been registered in Balochistan since 2021, with five cases disposed of in 2022.
Formation of Joint Review Committee
After thorough deliberations, participants unanimously agreed to constitute a joint review committee. This committee will examine the existing draft law and incorporate stronger provisions related to the regulation of acid sales and use, protection and rehabilitation of victims, compensation mechanisms, and effective institutional responses.
Next Steps and Broader Consultation
The meeting also recommended that the next consultative session invite representatives from the Departments of Industries, Health, Prosecution, Women Development, Law, senior lawyers, the Home Department, and the Police to offer their input for making the proposed legislation more robust. Participants further decided to revisit the composition of the board to be established under the proposed bill, ensuring representation from the Women's Parliamentary Caucus and other relevant stakeholders. It was also suggested that members of the relevant Standing Committee on Home Affairs be included in future consultations to build broader consensus and improve coordination.
Commitment to Comprehensive Legislation
The participants emphasized that a comprehensive and strong provincial law is essential to effectively prevent acid attacks, regulate the sale and use of acid and other hazardous chemicals, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide meaningful support and rehabilitation to survivors. Concluding the session, Chairperson Ghazala Gola reaffirmed the Women's Parliamentary Caucus's commitment to continuing its efforts for the enactment of laws that protect vulnerable segments of society, promote justice, and ensure strong safeguards against all forms of violence in Balochistan.
